This page gives you ready-to-use questions and leader’s notes for Luke 22, the chapter that moves from the plot against Jesus to the Last Supper, the garden of Gethsemane and Peter’s denial. It works for a small group, a Sunday class or personal study. Each section offers questions you can read aloud, a suggested direction for discussion, and a few verses worth slowing down for.
Luke 22 at a Glance
The chapter opens with the religious leaders looking for a way to arrest Jesus and with Judas agreeing to help them. Jesus then sends Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal, and at the table he speaks about his body and blood, the new covenant, and the betrayal that is already underway. The disciples argue about who is greatest, and Jesus answers by describing himself as one who serves. He warns Peter that Satan wants to sift the disciples, and he predicts Peter’s denial.
From there the scene shifts to the Mount of Olives, where Jesus prays in agony and his disciples fall asleep. Judas arrives with a crowd, a sword is drawn and an ear is healed, and Jesus is taken to the high priest’s house. The chapter ends with Peter denying him three times as the rooster crows.
Observation Questions
Use these first to make sure everyone has the same facts in view before anyone offers an interpretation. Keep answers tied to what the text says, and ask people to point to a verse whenever they can.
Luke 22:19-20
19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.” 20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
(WEB)
Reading the words of the Supper aloud gives the group a shared starting point for talking about remembrance, grace and the new covenant. Pause after each phrase to let the image of body and blood settle before you move on.
Luke 22:26-27
26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. 27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
(WEB)
These verses state the reversal of greatness that Jesus models, and reading them together helps the group hear his words as an invitation rather than a rebuke. It also sets the tone for the application questions on service.
Luke 22:31-32
31 The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat, 32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”
(WEB)
Read these slowly to highlight the unseen prayer of Jesus for Peter and the hope that he will turn back and strengthen others. The verses speak directly to any member who feels spiritually vulnerable.
Luke 22:42-44
42 Saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. 44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
(WEB)
This passage holds Jesus’ honest request, his surrender and the strengthening that followed. Reading it aloud helps people see that honesty with God and trust in his will belong together in prayer.
Luke 22:61-62
61 The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.” 62 He went out, and wept bitterly.
(WEB)
Ending the reading with Peter’s failure and the look of Jesus gives the group a moment of quiet reflection. It prepares them for the closing questions about grace after failure.
Memory Verse for Luke 22
Luke 22:42
Saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
(WEB)
This short verse holds the heart of the garden scene: an honest request followed by full surrender to God’s will. It is easy to memorize and gives a simple pattern for prayer in hard moments.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you as people who, like the disciples, can argue about status, fall asleep when we should watch and deny what we say we believe. Thank you that Jesus knew our weakness and still prayed for us and still chose to serve. Help us to take the example of his table and his garden into our homes, our work and our church. Where we have failed, give us the honesty to confess and the courage to return. Strengthen us to serve one another, to pray with open hands and to trust your will even when it is hard to see. Amen.
