Meaning of Luke 22:22

This verse from Luke 22:22, spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper, encapsulates a profound theological tension: the predetermined nature of his suffering and betrayal, alongside the severe condemnation of the perpetrator. Jesus acknowledges that his impending crucifixion is not a random event but part of a divine plan, "as it has been decreed." This decree points to God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant. Simultaneously, Jesus pronounces a dire warning, "But woe to that man who betrays him!" This highlights the terrifying reality of human free will and the immense responsibility that accompanies it, even within a sovereign plan. The betrayal, though foreseen and permitted, does not absolve the betrayer of culpability, and the "woe" signifies a profound and eternal consequence for such an act.

Context and Background

The immediate context is the Passover meal, the Last Supper, where Jesus is instituting the new covenant. He has just spoken of his body being broken and his blood being shed for the forgiveness of sins. The disciples are grappling with his words, and Jesus is aware of the impending betrayal by one of them. The prophecy of the Son of Man going "as it has been decreed" refers to the plan of salvation, a plan that necessarily involved suffering and death for the Messiah, as foretold in various Old Testament passages (e.g., Isaiah 53). The betrayal by Judas Iscariot is the specific human instrument through which this decree will be enacted.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: The verse juxtaposes God's predetermined plan with human accountability. While Jesus' fate is divinely ordained, the act of betrayal is a choice made by an individual.
• The Necessity of Suffering: The decree signifies that the suffering and death of the Son of Man are essential for the redemption of humanity.
• The Gravity of Betrayal: The "woe" pronounced against the betrayer underscores the extreme sinfulness of treachery, especially against someone as innocent and divine as Jesus.
• Foresight and Foreknowledge: Jesus' awareness of the betrayal demonstrates his divine knowledge and foreknowledge.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse calls believers to reflect on the immense cost of their salvation, which involved the predetermined suffering of Christ. It also serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of sin and betrayal. For individuals, it highlights the importance of faithfulness and integrity in their relationships, particularly with God and with fellow believers. The knowledge of divine decree should not lead to fatalism but rather to a deeper trust in God's overarching plan, while still emphasizing the moral imperative to act righteously and resist temptation.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Luke 22:22 fits directly into the overarching narrative of redemption. It bridges the prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah's suffering in the Old Testament with the actual suffering and death of Jesus in the Gospels. This event is the pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan, leading to the resurrection and the establishment of the New Covenant. The betrayal itself is a fulfillment of Psalm 41:9, which David prophesied about a close friend turning against him.

Analogies

One analogy could be a play where the script is already written, and the actors must perform their parts. The playwright (God) has determined the outcome of the story, but each actor (humanity, including Judas) still has the agency to choose how they will deliver their lines and perform their role. The playwright can't be blamed for the actor's poor performance if the actor chooses to be negligent, even if the playwright foresaw it. Another analogy is a doctor performing a necessary surgery. The surgery is decreed for the patient's healing, but the surgeon (the betrayer) has a moral obligation to perform it with care and not intentionally harm the patient during the process.

Relation to Other Verses

• Isaiah 53:10: "Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand." This Old Testament prophecy directly speaks to the "decreed" suffering of the Son of Man.
• Matthew 26:24: "The Son of Man will go, as it is written of him. But woe to the man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." This parallel passage in Matthew emphasizes the severity of the consequence for the betrayer.
• John 13:21-30: This passage describes Jesus identifying his betrayer during the Last Supper, showing his foreknowledge.
• Acts 2:23: "this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men." This verse from Peter's sermon in Acts explicitly connects Jesus' death to God's plan and human action.