Luke 22. The drama of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, death, and resurrection unfold in these last three chapters of Luke. I imagine it is a story you are familiar with, so ask the Lord to open your eyes to see details and truths you had not noticed previously.

As the plot to kill Jesus approaches its climax, I notice details from the preparation for the Passover meal. Jesus sends Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal for the group (22:7-13). They agree to set up the meal and ask Jesus where he wants them to go. Mind you, the city of Jerusalem would have been overwhelmed with visitors and family members, a crushing sea of people who have gathered with family for the week-long celebration of Passover. (It would be like trying to get a dinner table reservation – for 14 people or more – in New York City or Disney World at the peak of the holiday season! The event planner in me is aghast, how have they not made plans for this important meal when they are such a large group!?)

Jesus gives Peter and John very specific instructions, “When you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house he enters and tell the master of the house…” (22:10). So, at the exact moment the two men enter the city gate of Jerusalem, a man with a water jar will cross their path and they follow him home? And ask the homeowner to take-over his dining room for the biggest holiday dinner of the year? I imagine Peter and John raising their eyebrows at each other; but off they go! And guess what? “They went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover” (22:13).

All those little details – Jesus knew about it already and he had a plan. It’s like he was following a script that no one else had read yet. I think the details of this story are noted for us in the text to reassure us that Jesus is not surprised by the events that unfold over the next twenty-four hours.

There are other details that Jesus knew ahead of time. He knew who would betray him and announced the presence of the betrayer at the dinner table (22:21). He knew that Peter would deny knowing him three times that very night. Jesus also knew that Peter would be crushed by his failure, and that Peter would return to follow him again, so he gave instructions to Peter, “…when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (22:31-34). Jesus also knew that he would be captured that night and led off to his eventual death.

There were so many things Jesus told his disciples that they did not understand until much later. But when they did remember – Jesus already knew and forewarned that this would happen – I think they found it reassuring and comforting. I too find it comforting – Jesus is fully aware of the drama, the challenges, the events of the world, my own failures, the status of my heart, and more.

Are you surprised at all the details Jesus knew ahead of time? Do you find it comforting to know that he was not thrown off balance by the ensuing drama? How does the character of Jesus as revealed in this passage give you hope? What stood out to you from Luke 22?