Luke 22:22

Commentary on Luke 22:22 (KJV)

Luke 22:22 presents a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, where Jesus explicitly addresses His impending betrayal and death, emphasizing both divine predetermination and human culpability. This verse is spoken during the Last Supper, immediately after Jesus institutes the new covenant in His blood.

Context

The setting for Luke 22:22 is the Upper Room in Jerusalem, during the Passover meal, which Jesus transformed into the institution of the Lord's Supper. Surrounding this declaration, there is a tension: the disciples are debating who among them is the greatest (Luke 22:24), while Jesus is revealing profound truths about His mission and impending sacrifice. The verse serves as a solemn warning to the betrayer and a confirmation of God's overarching plan, even amidst human sin.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Predetermination: The phrase "as it was determined" highlights that Jesus' suffering and death were not accidental or a failure of His mission, but part of a divine plan. This echoes prophecies found throughout the Old Testament concerning the suffering servant of God. God's foreknowledge and purpose underpin the entire redemptive narrative.
• Human Responsibility and Accountability: Despite the divine decree, the verse sternly declares "woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!" This underscores the principle of human free will and accountability for one's actions. Judas Iscariot, though an instrument in God's plan, was fully responsible for his choice to betray Jesus, facing severe consequences for his sin.
• The Identity of the Son of Man: Jesus consistently refers to Himself as the "Son of man," a title emphasizing both His true humanity and His divine authority, often linking back to the messianic figure in Daniel 7:13-14. Here, the Son of Man's destiny is to "go," implying His journey to the cross and eventual exaltation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "as it was determined" is kathōrismenon (καθωρισμένον), derived from the verb horizō, meaning to fix, appoint, or mark out boundaries. It conveys a strong sense of divine ordination and specific appointment. The term "woe" (ouai - οὐαί) is a powerful interjection expressing grief, denunciation, or a warning of impending judgment, often used by Jesus in other contexts, such as the woes against the rich and self-satisfied.

Related Scriptures

This verse finds parallels in the other synoptic Gospels, such as Matthew 26:24 and Mark 14:21, both emphasizing the "woe" pronounced upon the betrayer. The concept of God's predetermined plan for Christ's suffering is also found in Acts 2:23, where Peter preaches that Jesus was delivered up by "the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God."

Practical Application

Luke 22:22 offers profound insights for believers today:

• Trust in God's Plan: It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God is sovereign and working His purposes. The suffering of Christ was not an unforeseen tragedy but part of His eternal plan for salvation, offering hope and assurance in difficult times.
• Accountability for Choices: While God's plan is fixed, our choices matter. The "woe" to Judas serves as a sobering reminder that we are responsible for our actions, and there are severe consequences for betraying Christ or His principles, even if our actions inadvertently serve a larger divine purpose.
• Understanding Sacrifice: The verse highlights the immense sacrifice of Jesus. He willingly "goes" towards His pre-appointed suffering, not as a victim of fate, but as the obedient Son fulfilling His Father's will for the redemption of humanity. This calls for gratitude and worship.