Read Luke 22:1-2

As we read scripture it is important not to overlook the details, even the smallest details. At first read you might wonder why we would focus on just these two verses, but look at the end of verse 2: “for they feared the people.” It’s interesting that these religious leaders feared the people. Not God. The people. 

It’s easy to be critical of these leaders but people pleasing is a common problem in our culture today. We suffer from this “illness” more than we would like to admit. But, as a child of God we are called to reverence God, to look to Him and live our lives as He would have us live it! 

Have you ever struggled with being a people pleaser? If so, how do you think you can overcome this need to make everyone happy? If this is not a struggle for you, do you think you have a healthy fear/reverence for God? Explain. 

At the end of your quiet time today, ask The Lord to give you a heart that has a greater desire to please Him than people.

Read Luke 22: 14-23

There is so much in Chapter 22, today we will read the account of the “Last Supper.” This is the last time Jesus would eat a meal with His beloved disciples before He would go to the cross. He breaks bread, telling the disciples it was His body broken for them and He shares a glass of wine telling them it was His blood poured out in a new covenant for them. 

As you take communion never allow it to become common place. The symbolism in the Passover meal and the bread and the wine, in relation to the sacrifice of Jesus, means freedom from sin for all believers! It means the old sacrificial system would no longer be the way to forgiveness for sins. Instead, Jesus would once and for all pay the price for sin. It’s incredible if you sit and truly ponder this moment. Jesus knew what was about to happen to His body. He knew His blood would be spilled. He knew. Yet, He did it anyway. This conversation around the table was more than prophetic, it was love displayed for all to see. 

Today in your quiet time consider taking communion in private with The Lord. Get some bread or a cracker and some juice and sit with Jesus in this moment as you read these verses. Do this in remembrance of Him. Do this and as you do, thank Him for His love that made Him a sacrifice for us! If you are not in a place to take communion, spend some dedicated time in prayer thanking Him for His Love that took Him to the cross for you.

Read Luke 22: 31-34; 54-62

You may have wondered why we started with “people pleasing” or “fear of man,” especially on Holy Week. Well, this past Sunday was Palm Sunday, the day we remember and celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As Jesus entered the city the people worshipped Him but soon enough they turn on Him. Over the course of just a few days they went from worshippers to critics, from followers to tormentors. We will see the fear of man creep up not only in the lives of the general population of Jesus followers but also in the lives of Jesus’ disciples. 

Today your scripture reading took you on a journey with Peter. Jesus told Him he would deny Him, then we see Him actually deny Jesus out of fear. Peter was afraid of the people and what they might do to Him. Have you ever put yourself in Peter’s shoes? Have you ever wondered what you would have done in this moment? Honestly, I wonder sometimes if I would have done the same thing. 

You know, denying Jesus outright is one thing, and most of us would say that we would never deny our faith in Jesus. But, we can deny Him in many different ways. The way we most often deny Him is in the way we live our lives…more concerned with the opinion of man than our Lord. The amazing thing about God is – forgiveness! Peter found forgiveness, made His way back to The Lord, and eventually God would build His New Testament church on Peter! Peter’s story tells us that none of us are beyond redemption. 

Today take stock of the way you are living your life. Does your life deny Jesus or does it lift His name high? Ask The Lord to reveal any areas where you might be living in contrast to His Word. Then ask for forgiveness. Ask Him to give you strength to live a life that reflects Him.

Read Luke 22: 39-53

These verses begin with Jesus going to pray “as was His custom.” Even though Jesus knew what was coming His first and foremost desire was to spend time with His Father in solitary prayer. His prayers were earnest, full of sorrow, and also full of trust in His Father’s plan. Later on in the text we see His arrest. It has always amazed me that Jesus actually reattached a guys ear after it was cut off but they still arrested Him. You do wonder what the guards were thinking and feeling as they arrest this Jesus who has just healed someone before their very eyes. The Savior was right in front of them but they failed to see Him for who He truly was. Jesus was always at work even when it meant healing one of the very men who would arrest Him. 

Often we too fail to see Him at work in our lives. How have you seen The Lord at work in your life recently? 

Today, as you end your time with Him ask Him to give you eyes to see Him at work in you, around you, and in the lives of others. Thank Him for His presence and for His healing hand!

Read Luke 23

If you are reading this on Friday, this is known as Good Friday. The name of this day seems to sit in contrast to the events of the day, except for the good plan of our God. It’s good because Jesus made a way for us to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s good because He defeated sin and death. It’s good because we can now spend eternity with Him. 

But, on this day as Jesus was crucified the world became dark, the veil was torn, and for the disciples and other faithful followers of Jesus felt as if the darkness would consume them. The hopelessness of this day must have been all-consuming. 

Today, remember the pain and agony Jesus endured on the cross for you. See it for the horrific, painful death that it was…and spend dedicated time today remembering and sitting in humble awe that Jesus went to the cross for you.