The story of the betrayal, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus could seem to be the most tragic story ever told. One of the greatest (if not the greatest) moral teachers the world has ever known is murdered out of envy. A man whose life would be emulated by many millions is cut short despite no finding of guilt worthy of death. The hero of the poor and healer of the sick is betrayed for a small sack of coins. The one who preached "turn other cheek" and "love your enemies" is slapped, mocked, and hated. The one who promised life to all those who followed him is stripped of life himself.
For Jesus' disciples (and for those who read the story for the first time), this story indeed seemed like a tragedy. A great injustice had been done. Something went tragicly wrong.
Yet, in Luke 22 if we look closely, we do not get this sense at all from Jesus. Although he is being betrayed, mocked, and sentenced to death, we do not get the sense that he feels that things have suddenly spun out of control or that God has betrayed him. In fact, it seems from his actions and words that he believes God's sovereign plan is unfolding, and he willingly though at times painfully embraces the Father's plan. Let us look at his words and actions in this chapter.
- Jesus arranges for his own farewell dinner (vs. 7-13)
- He understood he was giving his life up for his friends that they might have life (vs. 14-20)
- He knew who would betray him and yet did not interfere with his plan (vs. 21-23)
- He gave Satan permission to "sift" Peter and prayed that Peter's faith might not fail (vs. 31-34)
- He knew his coming ordeal would fulfill Old Testament prophecy (vs. 35-38)
- He knew the great agony that lay ahead of him and accepted the Father's plan (vs. 39-44)
- He shows care for the disciples even in the midst of his own agony urging them to pray as they face their own temptations (vs. 40,46)
- Jesus heals the ear of his enemy and rebukes the crowd that has come to arrest him (vs. 47-53)
- He choose to openly affirm his identity as the Son of God rather than deny it and avoid death (vs. 66-71)
Jesus knows, controls, and accepts everything about his death. He will die at the hands of evil men, but he chooses that path. It is not a tragedy, but the unfolding of God's wonderous plan to reconcile all men and women back to himself.
"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20)
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