A. The plot to arrest Jesus 22:1-6

This significant plot is the core around which several other incidents cluster.

 1. The leaders' desire 22:1-2 (cf. Matt. 26:1-5; Mark 14:1-2)

The leaders of Israel had already decided to do away with Jesus. His presence in Jerusalem for the Passover season gave them a chance to have Him arrested and brought to trial before Pilate and Herod Antipas. Both of these rulers were in Jerusalem for the occasion.

Luke mentioned the seven-day feast of Unleavened Bread as the better known of the two feasts whereas Matthew and Mark both featured the Passover in their accounts. Greek readers may have known this feast as the feast of Unleavened Bread more commonly than as Passover.

The Jewish religious leaders took the initiative against Jesus, but the common people did not share their antagonism. The chief priests were mainly political leaders who owed their jobs to Rome. The situation also required the legal expertise of the scribes or lawyers. The Jewish leaders could not discover a way to take Jesus without causing a riot until Judas came forward with his plan.

 2. Judas' offer 22:3-6 (cf. Matt. 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11)

Luke omitted the story of Jesus' anointing in Bethany (Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-8). He had already narrated a similar event that happened on another occasion (7:36-50). By his omission Luke allowed the story of the plot to arrest Jesus to flow more smoothly.

22:3-4 Only Luke and John mentioned Satan's entering into Judas now (cf. John 13:2). Perhaps Luke wanted to clarify that Jesus' death was due to more than just human scheming (cf. Acts 5:3; 1 Cor. 2:8). It was part of a cosmic plan to destroy the God-man (cf. 4:1-12). Ironically Satan's participation in Jesus' arrest led to his own downfall (cf. Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:14). Luke also clarified Judas' identity for his readers (cf. 6:16) and noted Judas' contact with the officers of the temple guards. It was probably these soldiers along with Roman soldiers who arrested Jesus (cf. John 18:3). Perhaps Judas went to them because he originally anticipated Jesus being arrested in the temple area.

22:5-6 Judas was as hypocritical as the religious leaders; he, too, sought to avoid arousing the people. The theme of joy in Luke now crops up again, but this time it is joy in Jesus' enemies at the prospect of His fall.