Luke 21 and 22

1. 21:1-4 How can it be that two copper coins was more than what the rich men gave?
   Comments: As a percentage, it was much more than they gave. They gave out of their abundance; she gave all her livelihood. This does not necessarily mean she had no means of living in a culture that may not have depended upon currency as much as we do. Nevertheless, it was obvious that she gave not out of show but out of a desire to give. Like the Macedonians of 2 Corinthians 8:3-5, she first gave herself to the Lord. Note: What she gave equaled 1/16 of a denarius, which was a day’s wage.
2. 21:5-33 When Jesus spoke of “the end” in verse 9, of what was he speaking? (See vv. 6, 20.) Would anyone escape? (v. 21)
   Comments: The destruction of Jerusalem (in AD 70). Jesus told some how they could flee when they saw the approaching Roman armies. Note in verses 10-16 the persecution that some would undergo before that destruction, including betrayal by their families. In light of this, it’s no wonder Jesus told them in 14:26,27 that they might have to choose between him and their families. Note also that, even during these last days of his life, he was thinking not of himself but of his disciples’ safety some 40 years later.
3. 21:9, 12, 20, 32 When would these things happen?
   Comments: v. 9 – When they heard rumors of wars; v. 12 – after persecution of the disciples; v. 20 – when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies; v. 32 – in the present generation.
4. 21:34-36 What warning would be given for “that day,” and how much of the earth would it affect? (See also Matthew 24:36-44)
   Comments: There would be no warning; it would come on them like a trap and would affect the whole earth.
5. 21:37-38 How did Jesus spend His last days on earth?
   Comments: Teaching in the temple during the day, and resting at night on Mount Olivet. Even with just a few days left in his ministry, Jesus still saw the need to rest – a good example for us.
6. 22:1-6 What characteristics do you see in the chief priests, scribes, and Judas as they conspired to end Jesus’ life?
   Comments: Deceit, conniving, betrayal, even delight as Judas presented them a way to carry out their murderous plot – characteristics of Satan. They were also fearful of the people.
7. 22:7-23 What were Jesus’ instructions to His disciples concerning the bread and the cup?
   Comments: To eat the bread in his memory, because it is his body; to drink the cup, because it is the new covenant in His blood, shed for us.
   Discussion: If this is important, why is Luke the only gospel writer to mention it? By insisting we do it every Sunday, does it become a sacrament? It seemed to be important to the 1st century Christians, as indicated in Acts 20:7 and in Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 11:23-28. In these examples, taking it in community with others and as a means to remember the sacrifice of Christ was what was important, not the bread and wine themselves. None of the class members were sure about the definition, purpose, or traditional number of sacraments, a subject for further research.
   Notes on the Passover: According to Hendriksen’s commentary, the traditional Passover followed a certain order: 
   1) Prayer of thanksgiving by the household head; a cup of (diluted) wine.
   2) Eating of bitter herbs.
   3) The son’s inquiry: “Why is this night different?” and the father replying with the Passover story.
   4) Singing the first part of Hallel (Psalm 113 and 114), washing of hands, a 2nd cup of wine.
   5) Carving and eating the lamb and unleavened bread. 3rd cup of wine.
   6) Continuing to eat – always the last of the lamb.
   7) Singing the last part of Hallel (Psalm 115, 116, 117, 118). 4th cup of wine.
   Which Cup? 1 Corinthians 11:25 mentions the cup that Jesus took after supper as the symbol of the new covenant: the blood He shed on the cross.
8. 22:24-30 In the kingdom of Christ, who is the greatest?
   Comments: The one who is as the younger, and as one who serves. This dispute seems to be a progression from the previous section. They begin questioning who would betray Jesus and progress to a discussion of who was the best person among them. They discuss this while Jesus is preparing to undergo the ultimate humiliation: death on the cross. Note in Luke 9:46-48 they had the same dispute.
9. 22:31-46 What kind of concern did Jesus show for His disciples, even as He was preparing Himself to die?
   Comments: v. 32 - He prayed for Peter’s faith; vv. 35-38 - He was concerned for their physical sustenance and protection (the sword); vv. 40  – He told them to pray for protection from Satan. Note: v. 32 – Jesus knew that Peter would deny him; he also knew he would repent, “return” to him and be able to strengthen the brethren.
10. 22:47-53 What concern did Jesus show even for those who came to arrest Him?
    Comments: He healed the ear of the priest’s servant that Peter cut off (See John 18:10-11). The swords he permitted them to have weren’t intended to be used for this purpose.
11. 22:54-62 What happened just before Peter remembered Jesus’ prophecy of his denial?
    Comments: The rooster crowed, and Jesus turned and looked at Peter. It must have added to the Lord’s sorrows to watch Peter’s realization and the sorrow it caused him.
12. 22:63-71 What kind of treatment did Jesus receive after He was arrested?
    Comments: They mocked him, beat him, blindfolded him, struck him on the face, mocked him, and accused him of blasphemy.