Luke 22:24-53 : Easy-to-Read Version
Be Like a Servant
24Later the apostles* began to argue about which one of them was the most important. 25But Jesus said to them, "The kings of the world rule over their people. Men who have authority over other people make the people call them 'great helpers [of the people].' 26But you must not be like that. The greatest person should become like the youngest person! Leaders should be like servants. 27Who is more important: the person sitting at the table or the person serving him? You think the person sitting at the table is more important. But I am like a servant among you! 28"You men have stayed with me through many struggles. 29My Father has given me a kingdom. I also give you authority to rule with me. 30You will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. You will sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes (family groups) of Israel.*
Don't Lose Your Faith!
31"Satan (the devil) has asked to test you men like a farmer tests his wheat. O Simon, Simon (Peter), 32I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger when you come back to me." 33But Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, I am ready to go to jail with you. I will even die with you!" 34But Jesus said, "Peter, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say you don't know me. You will say this three times!"
Be Ready for Trouble
35Then Jesus said to the apostles,*"I sent you [to tell people about God]. I sent you without money, a bag, or shoes. But did you need anything?" The apostles said, "No." 36Jesus said to them, "But now if you have money or a bag, carry that with you. If you don't have a sword, sell your coat and buy one. 37The Scripture* says: 'People said he was a criminal.' Isaiah 53:12
This Scripture must happen. It was written about me, and it is happening now." 38The followers said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords!" Jesus said to them, "That's enough!"
Jesus Tells the Apostles to Pray
39-40Jesus left the city (Jerusalem) and went to the Mount of Olives.* His followers went with him. (Jesus went there often.) Jesus said to his followers, "Pray for strength against temptation." 41Then Jesus went about 50 steps away from them. He kneeled down and prayed, 42"Father, if it is what you want, then let me not have this cup* [of suffering]. But do what you want, not what I want." 43Then an angel from heaven appeared. The angel was sent to help Jesus. 44Jesus was full of pain; he struggled hard in prayer. Sweat dripped from his face like he was bleeding.* 45When Jesus finished praying, he went to his followers. They were asleep. (Their sadness had made them very tired.) 46Jesus said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray for strength against temptation."
Jesus Is Arrested
47While Jesus was speaking, a group of people came. One of the twelve apostles* was leading the group. He was Judas. Judas came close to Jesus so that he could kiss Jesus. 48But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you using the kiss [of friendship] to give the Son of Man* [to his enemies]?" 49The followers of Jesus were standing there too. They saw what was happening. The followers said to Jesus, "Lord, should we use our swords?" 50And one of the followers did use his sword. He cut off the right ear of the servant of the high priest.* 51Jesus said, "Stop!" Then Jesus touched the servant's ear and healed him. 52The group that came to arrest Jesus were the leading priests, the older Jewish leaders, and the Jewish soldiers. Jesus said to them, "Why did you come out here with swords and sticks? Do you think I am a criminal? 53I was with you every day in the temple* area. Why didn't you try to arrest me there? But this is your time--the time when darkness (sin) rules."
apostles The men Jesus chose to be his special helpers. Israel First, Israel was the Jewish nation, but the name is also used to mean all of God's people. Scripture Part of the Holy Writings--Old Testament. Mount of Olives A hill east of the city of Jerusalem where a person could look down into the temple area. cup Jesus is talking about the bad things that will happen to him. Accepting these things will be hard, like drinking a cup full of something that tastes very bad. Verses 43-44 Some Greek copies do not have verses 43 and 44. Son of Man A name Jesus used for himself. In Dan. 7:13-14, this is the name for the Messiah, the one God chose to save his people. high priest The most important Jewish priest and leader. temple The special building in Jerusalem for Jewish worship.