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Luke 22:7-23

However often we come together to break bread and drink wine in memory of Jesus, may we be nurtured by the fullness of His grace, may we experience salvation, may we be comforted by His provision and presence, and may we remember how this shared meal beckons us toward unity with one another. Let us find sweet fellowship around the Table, and let us keep it holy by living like the work of Jesus’ power over evil is true.

In Luke 22:1-6, we see the story of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus. This betrayal shows that proximity to Christ does not guarantee transformation. The passage also highlights the spiritual battle at play—Judas opened the door to Satan. As Christians, we are reminded that we have spiritual answers to the spiritual problems of life, and even as evil unfolds, God is still working His plan.

Luke 21:5-24

Impressive, dazzling, magnificent, an architectural wonder — these are just a few ways Herod’s Temple has been described by historians. It was massive, and it symbolized power, strength, and immense wealth. In Luke’s account, as the Galileans are marveling at the beauty and artistry as well as the magnitude of the Temple, Jesus turns again to his followers with an “upside-down kingdom” prophecy: this symbol of worldly power and dominance would be destroyed. And, as prominent and awe-inspiring as the Temple was, Jesus did not hesitate to claim that He was greater. 

Perhaps the Temple, with all of its symbolic power and greatness, began to mean more to the people than God meant to them. Perhaps their awe at its splendor and its security of power meant more to the people than their trust in God. What do you think Jesus was doing in predicting the destruction of Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem? How do you see earlier accounts in Luke building up to this prophecy?

Luke 20:45-21:4

In the days leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus taught His disciples in the temple, warning them against following the scribes and commending a widow’s gift. Jesus’ teaching encourages us to be on guard against investing in our own kingdoms and instead to fully invest in His kingdom. As the One who perfectly modeled sacrificial love, Jesus gave it all for us. May we give our all to Him in return.

Today, we had the privilege of having Jean Baptiste from Mustard Seed Church in Burundi, deliver our message on Luke 20:27-44. Following a series of questions asked of Jesus by the religious leaders, Jesus is asked one last question. They give Jesus a question concerning marriage in the resurrection (afterlife). Again, Jesus confounds them with His answer and verse 40 tells us that they no longer dared to ask Him any questions. Jesus then turns the tables on them and asking them a question. Jesus challenges us by His responses and questions to live a Kingdom lifestyle in honor of our True King.

This week, we continue our journey through Luke with Part 4: The Journey to the Cross. As we arrive at Luke 20:19-26, we are in the midst of the rising tension between Jesus and the religious leaders. In a highly charged political climate, they are looking for an opportunity to trap Jesus with His own words, so that they might bring him up on charges before the Romans. In this passage, we see Jesus answer their questions with the wisest of responses, reminding us that He is indeed the rightful authority and ruler of all.

Luke 20:1-18

Jesus, acting like someone who thinks he is in charge, has entered Jerusalem triumphantly, thrown traders out of the Temple, and disrupted the Temple’s authority structure where the High Priest is the most senior figure and the religious leaders hold the power.* Who does Jesus think he is to come into these spaces? With what authority can he command and shake up these things?

This is just what the religious leaders, teachers, and elders ask as recorded by Luke. They were accustomed to doling out authority, and they certainly had not authorized this man from Galilee.

Jesus doesn’t skirt around the question, but answers through the storied event of his baptism by John. At his baptism, authority was given to Jesus with the descent of the dove and the voice from heaven (Mark 1:9-11).

Then Jesus follows his reply with a parable that distinguishes a new way of authority from an old way. He teaches, quite directly, that those who think they have authority are merely entrusted custodians of this vineyard. Ancient hearers, like us today, would clearly grasp that it is the landowner with the power and authority.* The tenants know this too, but here they act as if they are the ones with power. Is the landowner too naive, too benevolent? Why is he counting on the kindness of his tenants when their behavior has already proven poor? Why doesn’t the landowner come sooner to fix the scenario, restore justice, and judge the tenants?

Through Luke’s account, AJ teaches that Jesus is patient and merciful with us. Jesus has all power and authority, and Jesus uses all power and authority to lay his life down for the ultimate victory.

*Referenced:

N.T. Wright, Luke: For Everyone, 233-239.

Craig Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, 2nd ed., 231-232.

We continue this week’s sermon series, The Gospel of Luke, Part III: A Journey through Galilee in Luke 19:41-48. In this passage, we see the fulfillment of Prophet, Priest and King in the person of Jesus Christ.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem marks a significant moment in His ministry. The sermon focuses on remembering what Jesus has done, worshipping Him as King, and following His example of obedience, humility, and eternal perspective. As Jesus approaches His crucifixion, we are reminded of His kingship, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the importance of living in a way that honors Him.