Luke 22:54-71 | Andrew Murch | In this passage, Luke turns the focus on Peter and shows us the sad failure of a disciple. Peter sits among the group huddled around the courtyard fire. One of the servant girls eyeballs Peter, and says “This man also was with him.” Peter’s retort was, “Woman, I do not know him.” There could hardly be a stronger way to deny Jesus, and it was pretty much all downhill from there.
It looks completely hopeless save for one observation that Luke gives that no other Gospel account does: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” This is a pathetic fall that landed amid shreds of hope as “he went out and wept bitterly” (v. 62). Luke also wants us to see one other important truth: the word of Jesus is solid. There is an irony in what happens next. Even as the religious leaders treat Him as a phony prophet, in their actions Jesus’ prophecy is being fulfilled. Whether it’s Peter’s denial or the beginning of the mockery of Jesus, he wants us to see how sure and solid Jesus’ word is. Chapter 22 comes to an end as Luke focuses on Jesus’ true identity. Morning comes and the Jewish leadership carts Jesus off to their council chamber (v. 54). Jesus is asked point-blank if he is the Christ, the long-awaited Savior of Israel. Jesus replies, “But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” (v. 70b) They take Jesus’ words as an affirmation, and they move quickly to punish him for what they consider to be blasphemy.
Captain Obvious
Luke 22:54-71
March 27, 2022 • Andrew Murch
The Darkest Day for All to See
April 15, 2022 • Andrew Murch
Luke 23:44-56 | Andrew Murch | It was the darkest day in history. Jesus would soon be revealed as God’s resurrected Son and “firstborn from the dead,” but now he is nailed to the cross. Though the best part of the story is soon to come, it is important that we not skip over the weight and sadness of Jesus’ sacrifice in this chapter. God was willing to make a way for sinners like us to be reconciled to himself, but it came at a cost. It cost everything. A man named Phillip helps Jesus carry the cross outside the city, and Jesus is nailed to that cross. As he hangs there, he is mocked, and the guards cast lots over his clothing. Even in these painful moments, we see glimpses of beauty. Jesus offers up a prayer to his father, “Forgive them, father, for they know not what they do.” With his mission on earth still in focus, Jesus extends mercy and invites one of the criminals to join him in paradise. The beautiful day of resurrection will come soon, but for now, we must read and reflect on the reality that our new life came at the cost of our Savior’s life. The author of life is put to death.
The King and the Criminal
April 10, 2022 • Andrew Murch
Luke 23:26-43 | Andrew Murch | It was the darkest day in history. Jesus would soon be revealed as God’s resurrected Son and “firstborn from the dead,” but now he is nailed to the cross. Though the best part of the story is soon to come, it is important that we not skip over the weight and sadness of Jesus’ sacrifice in this chapter. God was willing to make a way for sinners like us to be reconciled to himself, but it came at a cost. It cost everything.
Rescued from Death
April 3, 2022 • Jake Gamble
Luke 23:1-25 | Jake Gamble | It is no exaggeration to say that the entire Christian faith is built upon Jesus’ actions recorded in the next two chapters of Luke, so read and reread these verses closely. In Luke 9, we see Jesus set his face towards Jerusalem to accomplish the work he was sent to complete. Now, we see that work unfolding as Jesus is falsely accused and put on trial. The assembly of the elders of the people accuse Jesus before Pilate, a man who would determine if Jesus was to be crucified or not. Pilate sees no fault in Jesus but the mob persists. “Crucify him!” they shout. Pilate releases the criminal named Barabbas from prison and allows Jesus to be sent to his death.