Luke 22:54-71

Key Truth: Jesus Christ in his humiliation reveals that he is the gracious High Priest, True Prophet, and Davidic King who is able to save us.

Introduction:

Q: What are the key qualities that you admire in a leader?

“It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man, the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Savior of His Church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world: unto whom He did from all eternity give a people, to be His seed, and to be by Him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.”

The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 8.1: Of Christ the Mediator

Jesus the Priest Denied:

Luke 22:54-62

“Peter's fall, which is here related, is a bright mirror of our weakness. In his repentance, also, a striking instance of the goodness and mercy of God is held out to us. This narrative, therefore, which relates to a single individual, contains a doctrine which may be applied to the whole Church, and which indeed is highly useful, both to instruct those who are standing to cherish anxiety and fear, and to comfort those who have fallen, by holding out to them the hope of pardon.”

John Calvin, Commentary on Luke

Q: How do you respond when you are confronted with sin and denial?

Jesus the Prophet Mocked:

Luke 22:63-65

“Our Lord’s calm submission to insults like those here described, shows the depth of His love towards sinners. Had He so willed, He could have stopped the insolence of His enemies in a moment. He could cast out devils with a word, could have summoned legions of angels to His side, and scattered those wretched tools of Satan to the winds. But our Lord’s heart was set on the great work He had come on earth to do. He had undertaken to purchase our redemption by His own humiliation, and He did not flinch from paying the uttermost farthing of price.”

J.C. Ryle, Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Volume Two: Luke

Q: How does Jesus’ response to being mocked and beaten compare to Peter’s response to merely being questioned?

Jesus the King Condemned:

Luke 22:66-71

“Jesus says very little. He claims to be going directly into God’s presence and will exercise authority over those who are judging him. The trial is a sham, but it is part of a plan to reassert God’s rule. Jesus’ words lead to his conviction because the claim is too radical to believe and too dangerous to leave alone. For the leadership, neutrality is not possible. They cannot sit idly by and let him go. Jesus’ claims require a decision.”

Darrel L. Bock, Luke 9:51-24:53

Q: Who do you confess that Jesus is?

Application:

“...we do not speak of three separate offices but of one indivisible office, even though, according to Calvin, this consists of three parts. In fulfilling this office he accomplishes the one work of salvation...It was his will to do what his office required...And therefore his office is also connected with his humiliation.”

G.C. Berkouwer, The Work of Christ

Jesus Christ in his humiliation reveals:

- that he is the gracious High Priest in his forgiveness of Peter

- that he is the True Prophet in his knowing willingness to be mocked and beaten

- that he is the Davidic King in his proclaimed and exhibited authority over his own trial

Benediction:

Psalm 103:6-14