When I was a freshman in college, I grew in my faith like never before. I became captivated by the gospel, thirsty for truth, and passionate about Jesus. It was one of the sweetest and most vibrant chapters of my faith, but this explosive growth was accompanied by one negative consequence: self-righteousness.
With my newfound convictions, I felt strongly about the way things should be done, and the way things should not be done. When I went home on breaks, I lectured my parents about our home church and the things that needed to change. I pronounced harsh judgments on friends who were not following Jesus. I frowned disapprovingly when my boyfriend’s parents drank wine with their dinner. I was, in a word, insufferable.
Thankfully, my parents were patient and wise. They listened and gently challenged some of my thinking, but they also recognized I was young and in need of shepherding. In contrast with my demeanor, they showed grace.
I will never forget that season of my life, when my love for Jesus resulted in some very un-Jesus-like behavior. I will forever be humbled by it, because it continues to remind me of the truth that human brokenness and sin runs deep, perverting even our noblest intentions.
In Luke 22, this aspect of sin is on full display. First we have the chief priests, who oversee Jesus’s arrest. In his commentary, The Gospel of Luke, New Testament scholar Joel B. Green explains that these religious leaders “believe themselves to be serving God, yet unwittingly serve a diabolical aim.” Then, we have a disciple who, in his desperation to defend his teacher, draws his sword and cuts off the ear of a chief priest’s servant. Swiftly and sharply, Jesus condemns this violence (v.51).
Within this scene we see two different types of people who are trying to honor God and doing just the opposite instead. How can we avoid doing the same?
First, we must admit that we will inevitably do the same, because we are human. The same brokenness that runs through the high priests, and the same brokenness that runs through the disciple (Peter, according to the parallel account in John 18) also runs through us. We will get it wrong, and that is precisely why we need a Savior. Even our best efforts can become mangled by sin. That said, the Lord’s Table—which sits at the center of this chapter—is a compass of sorts.
“And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said,
‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me’” (Luke 22:19).
When Jesus instructs His disciples to remember, He is not only talking about His death. He is also talking about the example He set throughout His life. Jesus is the Savior who does not need weapons or worldly power to achieve His means. Jesus transformed the entire world by humbling Himself and laying Himself down—first in a manger, and then on a cross—and this is the standard to which we are held. This is how we preach Christ, without opposing Him in the process.
Sharon Hodde Miller leads Bright City Church in Durham, NC with her husband Ike. She also holds a PhD on women and calling, and is the author of Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It’s Not about You.
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29 thoughts on "The Plot to Kill Jesus"
It is so true that we often see our intentions as the part that matters, when it is how we make the other person feel that truly matters
Knows our hearts. Jesus knew that as long as He was on earth, leading by example his disciples would walk accordingly. But He also knew that when the flesh arose in them, as it does in us, they would need strength to endure and push through. That is why He died. To give us direct access to His father in heaven and to the Holy Spirit.
“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord” (Lk 22:61). He was in another room, yet He knew. He knew when Peter had denied him. He turned to look at him. He saw him. Later He comes to Peter. He seeks him out. He forgives and restores him. His knowledge is limitless. His mercy is without measure.
I pray today to continue to walk as Jesus did and use him as the example to live my life by.
I am so grateful that God searches us and knows our hearts. Jesus knew that as long as He was on earth, leading by example his disciples would walk accordingly. But He also knew that when the flesh arose in them, as it does in us, they would need strength to endure and push through. That is why He died. To give us direct access to His father in heaven and to the Holy Spirit.
Wow that’s convicting. ❤️
Our intentions are pure but our actions do not always align.
I am so grateful that God searches us and knows our hearts. Jesus knew that as long as He was on earth, leading by example his disciples would walk accordingly. But He also knew that when the flesh arose in them, as it does in us, they would need strength to endure and push through. That is why He died. To give us direct access to His father in heaven and to the Holy Spirit.
Was He afraid? As a man, yes! He asked God to “remove this cup,” and had to be strengthened by an angel. But did he follow thru? Yes, because He knew it was the will of God.
May we continue to seek the face of God, knowing that all of the strength we need resides in Him. Be reminded that when we are weak He is made strong. We may not always get it right, but He will always be there in a gentlemanly fashion waiting on us to invite Him into our lives, to mold into into the vessels needed for His kingdom.
What a relatable devotional! I really needed this. Often times, I become so passionate about something (my faith, my health, my education) that I’m sure I unintentionally judge others in these areas that I’ve gained confidence in. It’s a daily struggle and honor to remember Jesus and humble myself like He did. I have to remember humility especially in the areas that I’ve gained confidence and comfort in, because Jesus is the reason for all of my successes. They’re not mine, they’re His.
Thank you!
I wondered what Jesus must have felt as he sat and watched the disciples totally missing the point and actually disputing who’s going to be the greatest among them when he had just finished saying the famous words of the Last Supper – so much for “do this in remembrance of me,” the topic/focus of discussion shifted so easily from Jesus himself (who IS the greatest) to the disciples themselves.
I wondered if Peter’s betrayal was any less painful for Jesus since he knew/prophesied it beforehand and braced himself for the hurt, that Peter was going to deny Him 3x before the rooster crowed. In the midst of large crowd out to see the spectacle, shouting, fire torches burning in the night, when Jesus heard the rooster crow, I wonder if his heart dropped knowing that the betrayal had taken place. In that chaos of people, he actually “turned and looked at Peter.”
I mean well, but woe to me I’m such a repetition of empty words and half-repentances, where my remorse for my sins, my self-righteousness so quickly pales when such opportunity presents itself again. Lord, I shudder and struggle to forgive anyone who wrongs me, yet I nail you to the cross every day with my pride and shame, and deny you your due praise and glory.
How fortunate I am that you have already become the eternal sacrificial offering once and for all, and how merciful is your name, Jesus. I will, all I can do is, live in remembrance of you.
So tired, and yet thankful.
Jesus knew he was about to suffer and yet, he continued on, step by step, trusting his Father.
May I continue on, step by step, trusting my Father even during difficulties…
especially during difficulties,
thankful.
what a great devotional for me today. as i continue to pray for my s/o to come to faith, i am always, always worrying that whatever i do or say that i think will help lead him towards god will end up having the opposite effect. it is so reassuring that even when i get things wrong, jesus is in control and is the ultimate example for him. please pray that i continue to follow jesus’ example well, and that i will not detract but only help with my s/o’s journey to faith. and please pray that god will work in his perfect timing to bring my s/o into a personal relationship with him. <3
also, please pray for the safety and protection of all living creatures in the midwest right now as we experience this extreme cold snap!!
peace and blessings to you all <3
“Even our best efforts can become mangled by sin”. This line stood out to me this morning, highlighting my absolute need for Christ. When I don’t involve Him in my decisions things can get messy, even with the purest of intentions. Jesus, lead me.
Such conviction this morning!
“Jesus is the Savior who does not need weapons or worldly power to achieve His means. Jesus transformed the entire world by humbling Himself and laying Himself down—first in a manger, and then on a cross—and this is the standard to which we are held. This is how we preach Christ, without opposing Him in the process.”
I was laughing about the sword throughout the entire reading today. For some reason it all just struck me as being so funny.
Lord, he told him, “I’m ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”
Peter was utterly convinced of his level of commitment to following Jesus. He was ready to lose his life. And yet in the same day he denied knowing Jesus three times. In one day. The same day.
How many days do I begin my day committed and surrendered to following Jesus? Halfway through that same day there’s evidence all over my life that suggests I never knew Him. I was never with Him. Gut wrenching. I am just like Peter.
Thank you Lorrie Bee for your comment. I will begin praying daily for my own self righteousness. The self-righteousness that will inevitably rise up in me. Praying for the Holy Spirit to correct it immediately. That no one would reject Jesus because I was an insufferable jerk and His name. Prayer and the moving of the Spirit is my only hope here. He has to change me. There’s no hope for change outside of that.
Lord, help me to show up in my life today just like you. Humble. Willing to go last. Willing to sacrifice for others. Willing to lay my life down. To lay down my needs. My comfort’s. My desires. All of the me, me, me, me. Holy Spirit please continue to turn my eyes toward you Lord, help me to show up in my life today just like you. Humble. Willing to go last. Willing to sacrifice for others. Willing to lay my life down. To lay down my needs. My comforts. My desires. All of the me, me, me, me. Holy spirit please continue to turn my eyes toward you. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
I looked up the commentary on the verses where Jesus told them to take a money bag and sword. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/luke/22-36.htm The commentaries are insightful. Just as Churchmouse said, Jesus was telling them to use be ready. They would need the Sword of the Spirit, God’s Word. If they persecuted Jesus, they would persecute them, His followers. Matthew Henry’s commentary also talks about how the world is fighting for their place and power. However, Jesus came and served, humble Himself, and was obedient to the point of death on a cross.(I’m paraphrasing.) Check out the link if you want. What an amazing example He gave! Please help me to be like You, Jesus. Amen
I don’t think i have ever paid attention to verse 31 before –
Posted before I finished! :-). Satan demanded to ‘sift Peter like wheat’. That instantly reminded me of Job’s story. I pray that in any sifting I may encounter, the Lord quickly turns my eyes back to Himself!
Yes, I love the “ Jesus prayed for him”! I forget that Jesus prays for me! Such wonderful news!
Me too – one of my highlights. No wonder he repeated to them that they should pray so that they don’t fall into temptations. I wonder what the story line would have been if Jesus hadn’t prayed for him .
I pray I remember to pray for everyone around me especially workers in the church so Satan doesn’t “sift them like wheat”. My self included
We read a verse in Luke a few days ago that said those who are humbled will be exalted and those who are exalted will be humbled. I think this fits perfectly in the explanation of self-righteousness, which is something I am very guilty of. For me, this behavior was found mostly in my relationship with my significant other. I was so deeply consumed with God and His word, that I thought because his walk with God didnt look like mine, that he was not really trying to build that relationship. After growth, wisdom, and lots of talking, I realized that, while I want to share this foundation of a Christ-like relationship with him I realized that my solitary walk will look different that our walk together. The humility and peacefulness of Jesus during this devastating time is something I hope to implore in my life everyday. 98% of the time people do not respond to condemnations of the Bible being thrown in their face, but instead we have seen all through Luke how people fall at Jesus’ needs because of his unwavering mercy and love. The worst sinners, were eventually brought to Him for healing and he welcomed them with open arms. I pray that I learn to employ all these things in my daily conversations with anyone, to show them all the love, mercy, and patience of our beautiful Lord that knows so much more about what his people need than we do.
I looked up the commentary on the verses where Jesus was telling them to take a money bag and sword. It provides insight to the real meaning. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/luke/22-36.htm As Churchmouse said, they would take up a weapon, but it was the Sword of the Spirit. If they persecuted Jesus, surge they would persecute them. They really did need to pray and be spiritually strong and armed. The commentaries explain way better than me. Matthew Henry’s also mentions about the contrast of the world to Jesus. People wanting to be first and in power, but Jesus was humble. What an example He gave!
Self-righteousness is a thing we must all be on guard against. My daily prayer is that the Holy Spirit will convict me when it starts to rise up in me; that no one would reject Christ because I was an insufferable jerk in His name.
Thank you for your words. Your comment about your daily prayer of conviction really resonated with me.
“Jesus transformed the entire world by humbling Himself and laying Himself down—first in a manger, and then on a cross—and this is the standard to which we are held”…this is a beautiful reminder to me this morning of how Jesus never forces anyone to believe in Him, or shows pride or worldly power. Jesus please help me to be humble like you.
Thank you for this devotional Sharon! It really made my think about how i sometimes try to honor God but end up doing just the opposite. Communion as the centerpiece between my sin and God’s love and forgiveness….I like that depiction.
I certainly don’t want to ever betray Jesus like Judas and neither do I want to be following Jesus at a distance like Peter. I want to be close to Jesus and I want to be a faithful disciple. I want to know when praying and fasting is the better course of action than taking up a sword, or when it is better to speak boldly than to be quiet. It is easy to be critical of the disciples but I relate to their confusion. Jesus had sent them out with nothing and they lacked nothing. Then He tells them that now they are to not only take moneybags and traveling bags but also to sell their robes (a valuable possession for it kept them warm at night) and purchase a sword. When Peter wields his sword in the garden, Jesus rebukes him. What’s up with all this? Perhaps the key lies in two words : But now. Jesus has been physically present with them, teaching them, doing miracles. The disciples are sent out with their enthusiasm for telling all they have seen and heard. They lacked nothing. But now Jesus will be leaving them and His teaching will have to be remembered by them and the miracles won’t be as evident. Persecution will be the new norm. Things are changing and the disciples will have to hold firm to the Truth with Whom they’ve walked. They will be given the Holy Spirit and they will indeed need to wield a sword – the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Lord, it’s hard to know what the best course of action is in every situation. Help me to know Your way. The Way. The Truth. The Word. Let me commit again to knowing You, to yielding to Your will and to leaving the results to You. Help me to realize I once was lost BUT NOW I am found. I was blind BUT NOW I see. I walked in darkness BUT NOW I walk in the Light. I was weak BUT NOW I am strong. You make all the difference. Amen.
Thank you for your insight to this passage…when to take up the sword and when to put it away.
Amen! I’m constantly praying for God’s truth (and Truth) to revealed in all circumstances and to be given discernment to know what to do with it.