Read this passage through several times. The parallels in Matthew 26 and Mark 14 are also helpful. John covers the same time frame in chapters 13 through 16. It's possible the prayer of John 17 was also said in the upper room. Reading at least John 13 is probably very helpful as well, since it explains some things missing in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Be sure as you read to make notes, especially questions. If you have access to a book (large or small) about how the Passover goes, it will be helpful here. A Bible handbook (big, thorough one) might have a succinct treatment of the Passover as well. Luke's sequence is not quite the same as the others, so pay attention to the differences.
The remainder through verse 38 of Luke are made up of small discourses. The questions below will take them individually. You may find it useful to consider them that way, but commentaries will differ in how they do that, if they even do.
After gaining your own notes and commentary examination, then go back through with the questions below:
- Luke uses the term "apostles" here instead of disciples. Prior to this he uses "the Twelve" or disciples. It's possible that he has a technical reason for this or is making some other point. What reason do you think Luke has for referring to the twelve disciples of Jesus as "apostles" here?
- Luke begins Jesus' discourse with His looking forward to when they celebrate it again in the "final kingdom" of God. Matthew and Mark both have it at the end. Why do you think Luke would put that at the beginning?
- Luke has Jesus passing around a cup, having given thanks, before the bread. There's some question about when, during a traditional Passover meal, this might happen, and exactly which of 4 cups of wine Jesus shares first (thanksgiving). In any case, there are two cups before the "bread" and two after. So why do you think Luke makes a point of including this first cup?
- There is some debate about whether the practice of the Passover in the first century used a 3-pocket bag for the unleavened bread. But regardless, bread was broken in the course of the meal. Jesus' use of this to refer to His physical suffering changes the meaning from what it was in the meal. To what do you think Jesus refers with the bread, and why do you think it is so important for us to remember?
- Jesus then shares a cup, again of memorial. This though, signifies something completely different. The final two cups of wine in a more modern tradition are the cup of Elijah and the final cup. Again debate exists as to which cup Jesus uses to signify His blood. The practice in the first century could have been very different from what we have today. But which one makes more sense to you, the cup of Elijah or the final cup? (you're going to need to do some research to get at the difference on this one)
- Jesus then reveals He is going to be betrayed. What do you think it means when Jesus He is going where it has been determined but still "woe" on His betrayer? Why, if it's determined (think, "necessary") is the one betraying Him in such trouble? (this was brought up last week)
- Only Matthew has Judas asking Jesus if it's him (like everyone else asks, but this time to see whether Jesus really knew or not). Jesus responds there with an enigmatic statement. Considering that Jesus washes Judas' feet and Judas is part of the meal, what do you think Jesus is doing for Judas by including him in all of that?
- As they were looking back, what do you think Jesus' treatment of Judas meant to the Twelve, you know, "upon reflection"? What can you tell from what they remember and relate about Jesus' treatment of Judas in the Gospels?
- The disciples begin to discuss among themselves who might be the one betraying Jesus, which makes sense. But then their questioning breaks out into an argument about which one is the "greatest". Imagine you're in the room with them. What do you hear? What are they saying, and how do they get from asking about the betrayer to asserting their own greatness? What do you learn about yourself and human beings from this exercise?
- Only Luke has Jesus comments about greatness right here in the upper room discourse. Although John 13 has something very similar here related to Jesus' washing of the disciple's feet. How does John 13 help you with Jesus' statements recorded here in Luke?
- Only Luke has Jesus next comment about the apostles sitting on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. But read verses 28 through 30 in several translations (Blue Letter Bible may help here). Look particularly at how 29 is connected to 30. So, what do you think? Is Jesus promising the twelve a kingdom, just as He Himself has been appointed one by the Father?
- In verses 31, Jesus begins speaking to Peter about his denial. Only Mark do we have this statement about satan requesting to "sift" him. The way it's worded (and the context supports this), the implication is that God granted satan's request. Why do you think God would do that?
- Jesus prays for Peter that his faith may not fail. Considering Jesus' next comment about Peter's "return" what do you think Jesus means by praying for Peter's faith not to fail?
- Jesus seems to know what Peter will face, and yet still gives him a job to do afterwards. He knows how it will go, but that does not disqualify Peter for service (at least not after he returns). What does that tell you about Jesus' thoughts on qualifications for ministering?
- In the other Gospels, Peter claims his faithfulness in the Garden (Mount of Olives). In Luke and John, they haven't left just yet. How important is this detail to you?
- In Matthew and Mark, the other disciples claim faithfulness as well along with Peter. This detail is missing from Luke and John. Is it sort of assumed in the other two, or do you think there's some reason it didn't make it in?
- Read Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:30, Luke 22:34, and John 13:38. How many times does the rooster crow before Peter denies Jesus? Write that down. Now read Mark 14:66 - 72. Why do you think Mark would have such a precisely numbered detail? (who was Mark's source again?)
- Only Luke has the detail about the twelve disciples/apostles now being "equipped" and Jesus contrasts that with when they were sent out as 12 and 72 taking no provisions. Why do you think things are different now?
- Jesus tells them to sell a coat and buy a sword. What do you think that is about?
- Jesus' explanation about the sword is because it has been foretold that He will be numbered (accounted) among "lawless" ones (outlaw?). Why do you think that makes a sword necessary?
- The disciples already have two swords (for 12 men?), and Jesus says that's sufficient. Why, if they are supposed to sell their coat and buy a sword, are 2 swords sufficient for 12 men?
Don't forget to look at what these things mean for your own walk with Jesus. How does the Passover celebration and Jesus' changes reveal something of your relationship with Him, and His love for you?
And Jesus' dealing with Peter and the other disciples, how does that help you better understand your relationship with Jesus?
