Luke 22:39-71 When Jesus Faced the Cross: Prayer, Betrayal, Denial, and Surrender

September 29, 2026

The Ten Signposts of the Bible

CAMDE—400—CALY

Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come.

After the Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus went to a familiar spot on the Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives is actually a ridge in Jerusalem that stretches about 2.5 miles. It is approximately 350 feet higher than the city.  It seems that Jesus’ favorite spot was a grove of olive trees. Matthew and Mark refer to the place as Gethsemane, meaning “olive press.” 

Jesus told the disciples to pray as he went approximately a “stone’s throw” away for a private conversation with the Father. The Jewish posture of prayer was standing with lifted arms looking to the heavens. But Jesus knelt, underscoring the gravity of the moment. 

This time in prayer was meant to prepare Jesus for the completion of his earthly mission. But his impending death was almost more than he could bear. His physical suffering would be excruciating as Jesus experienced the wrath of God for the sins of the world. The dread was unimaginable, and Jesus wanted out. Was there any other way to accomplish his calling?

 “In agony,” Jesus prayed with such overwhelming intensity that “his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44). Some believe Jesus’ capillaries burst under the crushing stress he was bearing, and he literally sweated blood. Others believe Luke is comparing the intensity of Jesus’ sweat to a wound dripping blood. The bottom line is that the emotion and anguish Jesus endured are unlike anything humanity has ever experienced. 

But Jesus surrendered to the Father's plan. He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Luke notes that an angel appeared to strengthen Jesus. He is the only Gospel writer who records this heavenly visitor. 

When Jesus finished praying, he found the disciples “sleeping for sorrow.” He asked, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:46). This is the second time Jesus told the disciples to pray that they would not enter into temptation (Luke 22:40). The coming days would be filled with physical and spiritual dangers for them. 

As Jesus was speaking to his disciples, Judas arrived with a group of religious leaders, Jewish temple police, and Roman soldiers. He knew that Jesus often spent his evenings in Gethsemane to avoid the crowds. Judas identified Jesus with a kiss, the usual greeting of a student to his teacher, but this special gesture had a specific purpose. Jesus asked, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48). 

At that moment, things got out of hand with the other disciples, especially Peter. He “struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear” (Luke 22:50). From the other Gospels, we learn that the man’s name was Malchus. Jesus replied, “‘No more of this!’ And he touched [Malchus’] ear and healed him” (Luke 22:51), then addressed the crowd. 

Luke 22:52–53

Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”  

They seized Jesus and brought him to the high priest’s house. Peter followed from a distance, and while Jesus was being questioned inside, he sat outside by a fire in the middle of the courtyard. He had said he was willing to die for Jesus, but when a servant girl pointed out that Peter had been with Jesus, he immediately denied it (Luke 22:57). A little later, another person said, “You also are one of them.”

Peter replied, “Man, I am not” (Luke 22:58).

When another person insisted, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean,” Peter again replied firmly, “‘Man, I do not know what you are talking about.’ And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed” (Luke 22:60).

After Peter denied three times that he knew Jesus, Jesus was led into the courtyard, where “the Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Luke 22:61). Can you imagine how Peter must have felt when he met Jesus’ gaze in that moment? Then Peter remembered what the Lord had told him: “‘Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:61–62). 

For the rest of the night, the Roman guards viciously beat and mocked Jesus. They also blindfolded him and struck him, saying sarcastically, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” (Luke 22:63–64). 

It was illegal for the Sanhedrin to meet at night, so Jesus was brought before the “assembly of the elders” as soon as the sun rose. They began with this request: “If you are the Christ, tell us” (Luke 22:67). 

Jesus replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe . . . But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God” (Luke 22:67–69). 

They responded, “Are you the Son of God, then?” (Luke 22:70). 

When Jesus answered, “You say that I am,” they accused him of blasphemy and replied, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips” (Luke 22:71). 

It is early morning. The trials will go on, and by noon Jesus will be nailed to the cross. 

Read and reflect on Luke 22:39–71: Jesus told his disciples twice to pray so they would not enter temptation. What situations, pressures, or patterns in your life are making spiritual vigilance especially important right now?

Talking to God: Talk to God about those situations. 

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