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The Testimony of Believers
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Lesson Twenty-five: by turtle
One of the hardest things I think to grasp is how a man who had walked and talked with
Jesus ever betray Christ. Yet Judas being a tax collector by trade thought more of money
then of Jesus. This is the only time when Jesus is said to be around that Satan entered
anyone. Yet today there are many groups that worship Satan and worship money. Was
Judas such a man, no but His greed for wealth caused him to plot betrayal to the religious
legal leaders. God’s word says Satan entered him. Judas, a man little is said about, yet he
was also the keeper of the money bag. Did he realize what the religious leaders and legal
leaders would do to Jesus perhaps not. However he wanted silver. He went to the
religious and legal leaders and betrayed him.
Luke 22:1-6 KJV
(1) Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
(2) And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the
people.
(3) Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
(4) And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he
might betray him unto them.
(5) And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
(6) And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of
the multitude.
Now the feast of the unleavened bread was a reminder of the Passover when The angel of
the Lord killed all the first born of Israel. This feast was to be kept for all generation as a
reminder. The feast would begin for seven days prior to the Passover and no one was to
eat bread with yeast it was to be thrown away. Israel was suppose to be a holy nation unto
God and all unrighteousness had to be purged. One must remember when Israel left the
land of Israel other groups went as well. All that bowed to another God would be killed
when the golden calf was destroyed, yet this did not stop anyone from not believing in
God.
Now the Feast of Unleaven Bread is found in Exodus before Passover angel came.
Exodus 12:14-20 KJV
(14) And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the
LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
(15) Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven
out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the
seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
(16) And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there
shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that
which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
(17) And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I
brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your
generations by an ordinance for ever.
(18) In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat
unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.
(19) Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that
which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether
he be a stranger, or born in the land.
(20) Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.
I imagine the spiritual meaning of this is, because bread often symbolizes the word of God,
that this is about purging or getting rid of the yeast was really about getting rid of those
things not of God. Purging of dirt from the soul Israel would purge their sins of
unrighteousness for they would kill the lamb and put the blood around the door post the
day that Egyptian first born would be killed. Remember Egypt had many plagues prior to
this last event. Egypt cost for sin would be their first born. Their sin unbelief in God’s
power to send such plagues. The plagues a warning to Pharaoh of what sin causes. Some
might wonder if all these tornadoes and earthquakes are not a warning of the destruction
that can be to our soul if we do not believe in God. Even Christians suffer at the hand of
God for disobedience, through chastisement for the saving of our soul. However you
choose who team you are on. One that going to continue to experience the wrath of God
for eternity or whether you will experience only the wrath of God for correction. It hurts.
Israel would witness what would happen to those that choose not God.
Luke 22:7-13 KJV
(7) Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
(8) And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
(9) And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
(10) And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man
meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
(11) And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where
is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
(12) And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
(13) And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the
passover.
Jesus tells his disciples to go and prepare for the Feast of Unleavened bread. To prepare
for the reminder of what happened so many years ago called the Passover. A change was
fixing to take place in Israel a purging of sin and a sacrifice of the Lamb of God to redeem
Israel from sin and as well as the heathens of the land for anyone that would look to Jesus.
The preparation for the feast began on what we call good Friday and would continue
until the day Christ would be crucified. Jesus and his disciples would spend time in the
upper room. Judas would be the last to be purged from the group, for Satan entered Him
and he could not remain in the upper room so he left to betray Jesus.
Luke account of the Lord Supper is a little different the other Gospels.
Luke 22:14-22 KJV
(14) And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
(15) And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you
before I suffer:
(16) For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom
of God.
(17) And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among
yourselves:
(18) For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God
shall come.
(19) And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This
is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
(20) Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my
blood, which is shed for you.
(21) But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
(22) And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by
whom he is betrayed!
Jesus would give His life meaning the bread, the Word of God as a sacrifice so that we
could be redeemed. The purging of humanity to incorruptibility. The purging of sin to
incorruptibility. When we are baptized we are baptized in memory of this act of
crucifying of Christ. We are buried with Christ and arise with Christ into
incorruptibility. However while we live on this earth we are still in corruptible flesh, but
spiritually our spirit is incorruptible for the separation that was between us and God is
healed by the blood of the Lamb. We are marked or tattooed by a mark by the Holy
Spirit not seen with the naked eye or even a telescope. It is marked with the hand of God
that we can not see, known as the Holy Spirit. The wine symbolizes the sacrifice or
pouring out of Christ life for you and me. We to if we walk in the ways of Christ will
sacrifice our life by giving of the word of God to mankind. It does not mean one does not
work, it means that one shares Christ with each opportunity God provides. One needs to
pray for opportunity to share the word of God.
The next two verses seem out of place considering in verse one Satan has already enter
Judas, this is one discrepancy in the Gospels of when this took place. However I think
Luke purpose is to show the Holiness in the upper room. Let us look at these verses
Luke 22:22-23 KJV
(22) And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by
whom he is betrayed!
(23) And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do
this thing.
Judas in the other gospels were still at the table and Peter leans over and says who is it?
Jesus says whoever I dip this bread in the wine. Judas dips the bread and leaves. Why
Luke does not include this perhaps, it is to include Peter’s own denial as a form of
betrayal. This part is coming up, but before that comes a short discourse concerning who
is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.
Luke 22:24-30 KJV
(24) And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the
greatest.
(25) And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and
they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
(26) But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger;
and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
(27) For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that
sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
(28) Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
(29) And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
(30) That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the
twelve tribes of Israel.
Gentiles desire to be kings. Those willing to serve are children of God. They are willing to
be humble. Jesus lead the people, though He served them. A minister should have this
attribute of willing to serve as willing to lead. A Christian must learn to lead as well as to
serve. Those serving should not be looking for the chief position. Those that continued
with Christ during this time of temptation were those that were servants of God. Jesus is
telling his disciples they are worthy to be in the kingdom of Heaven. Yet Satan was fixing
to shift Peter. How could Peter fail temptation and still go to heaven. Abraham failed at
temptation and took Sarah handmaiden. Moses would strike a rock twice in anger, Jonah
ran, Noah got drunk. Yet all were children of God. When you fail it part of being human.
Our own fears, Satan tacks to deceive.
Luke 22:31-34 KJV
(31) And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he
may sift you as wheat:
(32) But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted,
strengthen thy brethren.
(33) And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to
death.
(34) And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt
thrice deny that thou knowest me.
Satan had permission to test Peter. Peter would fall, but Christ would lift Him, for Peter
called to repentance. Jesus heads toward the Mountain of Olive’s to pray while on the
road he talks to His disciples of what they need for the journey ahead.
Luke 22:35-40 KJV
(35) And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked
ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
(36) Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise
his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
(37) For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he
was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
(38) And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is
enough.
(39) And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples
also followed him.
(40) And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into
temptation.
He said I sent you without and do you lack anything. And they say nothing. Now He tells
them they will need a purse, money, a sword and his garment and buy one. They said they
had two swords and Jesus said it was enough. He was not advocator of violence. However
swords were carried to protect against robbers on the roads. When the reached the
Mount of Olives He warns the disciples pray that they would not fall into temptation.
Jesus would go a little distant and kneel and pray away from His disciples.
Luke 22:41-46 KJV
(41) And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and
prayed,
(42) Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will,
but thine, be done.
(43) And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
(44) And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great
drops of blood falling down to the ground.
(45) And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them
sleeping for sorrow,
(46) And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
The angels of God came and strengthen Jesus. This is not recorded in all disciples but it is
a comforting thought. For Jesus knew what He was physically going to endure for you
and me. It caused human stress. We see the humanity of Christ right here, yet He was
more then Human, He was and His the Son of God. Christ wakes his disciples and tells
them why are you sleeping when you should be praying not to enter into temptation. The
truth of the matter they like many Christian fail to watch out for the hour of temptation.
We need strength to fight the enemy. Jesus set the example by praying at His hour of
temptation and God sent strength to Christ.
Now we at the scene where Christ is in the garden. Judas would betray Christ with a kiss.
Those realizing what was going to happen asked should we fight? One immediately
reacted cutting off the servant of the priest ear off. Jesus still knowing what would
happen, reach up and healed the soldier ear.
Luke 22:47-54 KJV
(47) And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the
twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
(48) But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
(49) When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord,
shall we smite with the sword?
(50) And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
(51) And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed
him.
(52) Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders,
which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
(53) When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but
this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
(54) Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And
Peter followed afar off.
Jesus ask why do you come with swords and staves (knives), for He was daily in the
temple. This was the hour of darkness. Fact is at any time they could of seize Christ, yet
like evil men they choose the cover of night. Evil men come at night, seldom do they work
in the day. Why to catch people unaware, yet those that sleep with a gun or a ball bat
expect trouble to come. They took Jesus, but we must remember He could of fought, but
He went willingly. See God in Old Testament people killed thousand with few swords. Yet
this time, God was going to allow what was to come.
Peter followed and His hour of temptation had come. He would deny Jesus twice the
Roost would crow and Christ would look at Peter, no doubt with love in His eyes, for
Peter realizing what happen went and wept bitterly, leaving His friend to face those who
would smack and later beat Him.
Luke 22:55-62 KJV
(55) And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down
together, Peter sat down among them.
(56) But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him,
and said, This man was also with him.
(57) And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
(58) And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter
said, Man, I am not.
(59) And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a
truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
(60) And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet
spake, the cock crew.
(61) And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of
the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
(62) And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
The persecution begins with cross examination of Christ. It clear with the kangeroo court
no one is listening.
Luke 22:63-71 KJV
(63) And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
(64) And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him,
saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
(65) And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
(66) And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the
scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
(67) Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
(68) And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
(69) Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
(70) Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that
I am.
(71) And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his
own mouth.
Christ would go to the cross with true accusations against Him. Yet the thing was no one
realize He was telling the truth. Jesus was honest with His accusers. For this He would
lay down in death and take up in the resurrection. Do you want your sins buried with
Jesus and start a new life, you can do so by receiving Jesus as Lord.
Pray this prayer with me:
Dear Heavenly Father I realize I am a sinner, and that Christ died for my sins. I ask that
you forgive me of my sins and receive your Son as Lord and Savior in my heart. I realize
on belief I am saved and sealed with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
Now you are saved if you did prayed this prayer with all sincerity of your heart. You are
now a Christian. Want more information please visit the Bible Study page for Christian
help section and also How to be Saved page found either on Home page or the main links
above. May God bless you as you grow in Christ.
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