66 Luke 22:31-62 (Betrayal and Denial)

* You can get the sermon note sheet at: http://family-bible-church.org/2025Messages/25Jul06.pdf * Four weeks ago we turned to the final day of Jesus the Messiah’s earthly life and ministry with the consideration of Judas’ decision to betray Jesus. Since then, we examined the Passover Seder that Jesus held with His disciples and Jesus’ example of having a Servant’s Heart (to lead by humbly serving). * Today, we finish a two-week look at Luke’s account of Jesus warning His disciples of trouble that is coming, with specific warning to Simon Peter, followed by Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, Jesus’ arrest, and Peter’s three denials of Jesus. These events are connected; Jesus’ warning and example show us that prayer is the key to avoiding temptation, to successfully handling a troublesome situation, and that without it we are likely to succumb to temptation – Judas fails by going through with the betrayal, Peter fails by denying Christ. * Meanwhile, Jesus succeeds! He does not enter into temptation. Rather, Jesus goes forward with carrying out the will of the Father. In the process, Jesus demonstrates great love for us: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” – John 15:12