The King Is Abandoned
Tim Keller | March 9, 1997
Overview
In this passage from Luke 22, we see the last night of Jesus’ life. It’s a fairly long passage, but the reason we’re looking at it all is because we see a pattern. Here at the very end, Jesus Christ is completely abandoned and forsaken. He is completely and systematically rejected by everybody who comes in. Everybody who should be standing there with him abandons him.
What we’re going to look at are three people who desert him. There are three people who are brought out in the book of Luke here who are abandoning Jesus at this point. If we want to understand what that all means to us, we have to look at these three: Judas, Peter and the Father.
Outline
Luke 22:31–53
This chapter in Luke’s Gospel tells us about Jesus’ last night. It shows Jesus talking to Peter about a time he will deny knowing Jesus, instructing his disciples for the tough times ahead, and his prayer to God on the Mount of Olives. The story goes on with Jesus healing a man’s ear, questioning why swords are needed, and facing the people who came to arrest him. The chapter emphasizes how Jesus is left alone and rejected, especially focusing on Judas, Peter, and the Father, who all leave Jesus in their own ways. This has significant lessons for anyone who follows Jesus.
1. Judas
The story of Judas is not just about a bad guy, but about how all of us can betray Jesus when things get hard. His story shows us the importance of staying loyal to God, especially when life is tough, and warns us against getting too relaxed about our spiritual lives.
2. Peter
Jesus warns Peter that he will deny knowing him. This shows us the danger of thinking only about ourselves and our flaws. The story teaches us to be humble, to say sorry when we make mistakes, and to accept our doubts and weaknesses. It also explains that only by relying on Jesus, not ourselves, can we be saved. It highlights the importance of faith, humility, and Jesus’ readiness to give us hope and forgive our mistakes.
3. The Father
Jesus’ struggle in the garden of Gethsemane was not just about being scared of pain or death, but about knowing God’s anger. Even though he knew he would be left alone by his friends and even the Father, Jesus chose to die for all of us. Understanding how much Jesus loves us and the sacrifice he made helps us forgive others, endure tough times, and trust that Jesus will always be there for us. It gives us the strength to deal with guilt, criticism, or suffering and to stay true to others.
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