The Trials of Truth (and more)

Betrayal in the Presence of Love

A sign of affection, a sign of greeting was being used as a sign to deliver the Savior into the hands of sinners. Our human, sinful tendency can be tempted by false appearances or momentary gain at the cost of true loyalty. Consider if you have ever betrayed someone in a relationship, or betrayed God by your choice or action where you needed to repent and again get genuine allegiance to Christ?

Judas approaches Jesus with a kiss — a symbol of friendship, greetings — turned into deception, betrayal, treachery

Jesus confronts Judas with a piercing question, not filled with rage, but with truth: “Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Key Truth: Betrayal is most painful when it comes from those closest to us.

Christ’s Compassionate Response

Christ has not forgotten His commitment to His mission, even amidst the betrayal. Christ still had compassion, healing the servants ear demonstrates His love and mercy and it should set an example for our responses. In our moments of pain or betrayal, seeking to love and show mercy reflects Christ’s heart and it leads to genuine healing.

The disciples ask if they should strike —before waiting for an answer, one acts.

Violence erupts in confusion and fear

Jesus stopes the violence: “Stop! No more of this

Jesus rebukes the action and heals the servant’s ear.

With this healing of the ear this is the final healing miracle before the cross.

Key Truth: Jesus’ kingdom is not advanced through violence or force.

Cowardly Captors in Darkness

The Kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness are contrasted here. Jesus highlights the cowardice of those who come in the darkness, pointing to the power of evil when hidden and unchallenged. Our allegiance to Christ helps illuminate the darkness and offers a call to live in truth and light, thereby thwarting the plans of evil. Even though on the outside here evil seems to be winning, God’s plan, Jesus purpose is being played out perfectly.

Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the arrest: no swords or clubs were used when He taught publicly.

Yet He acknowledges: “This hour and the power of darkness are yours.”

They treated Him like a criminal though He taught openly in the temple.

Key truth: Jesus is not overpowered—He willingly submits to God’s plan

Applications

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When betrayed: respond with integrity, not bitterness or revenge.

When tempted to react: Pause and ask whether your response reflects Christ’s kingdom.

When facing dark seasons: Trust that God’s purposes are still unfolding, even when darkness seems to have the upper hand.

Take away: Jesus is never a victim of circumstance— He is the obedient Son who chooses the cross in submission to the Father’s will.

Drawing a conclusion

In this gospel account we have seen that even in betrayal, injustice and violence, Jesus remains compassionate, authoritative, and faithful. As His disciples, we are called not merely to admire His strength, but to imitate His response —trusting God’s plan, rejecting worldly methods, and choosing faithfulness even in dark hours.

Under Pressure

Have you ever been in a moment where you felt pressured to stay quiet about something you believed was right?

What made it hardest? Fear of rejection? fear of consequences, or being misunderstood?

(transition) Peter faces a pressure moment in our passage this morning, not in a courtroom, but around a fire.

Our passage takes place right after the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. The disciples had scattered, but Peter follows at a distance. Jesus is taken to the house of the High Priest and treated like a criminal before any official trial is commenced at all. Our passage shows two simultaneous realities:

Peter is being tested outside in the courtyard

Jesus is being abused inside by those who hate Him.

While it is a painful section to look at, it is a revealing section too. It brings some spiritual clarity: it exposes fear, weakness, cruelty, and also the steady faithfulness of Jesus.

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Big Idea: In the moments of fear and pressure, we may fail—but Jesus remains faithful, and His gaze calls us back to repentances and courage.

Our Passage

Luke 22:54–55 NASB95

54 Having arrested Him, they led Him away and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance. 55 After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter was sitting among them.

Luke 22:56–57 NASB95

56 And a servant-girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight and looking intently at him, said, “This man was with Him too.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.”

Luke 22:58–59 NASB95

58 A little later, another saw him and said, “You are one of them too!” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 After about an hour had passed, another man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.”

Luke 22:60–61 NASB95

60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.”

Luke 22:62–63 NASB95

62 And he went out and wept bitterly. 63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking Him and beating Him,

Luke 22:64–65 NASB95

64 and they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, “Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?” 65 And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming.

What stands out to you in this passage, and why?

We are going to get into the points in the outline and ask questions of the scripture and some discussion points maybe along the way with applications too.

Peter Follows at a Distance

Luke 22:54–55 “54 Having arrested Him, they led Him away and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance. 55 After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter was sitting among them.”

Key Truth: Spiritual danger increases when we stay close enough to watch Jesus, but too far to stand to stand with Him.

Peter had a desire to stay close, but not too close.

The danger of half-hearted discipleship

We see the setting for the rest of it: A courtyard fire, warmth, shadows, and tension

What does it mean that Peter followed at a distance?

How does physical distance reflect spiritual hesitation?

What situations tempt believers today to keep Jesus at arm’s length?

Application: Evaluate where you may be keeping, following Jesus at a distance— still present, but cautious, guarded, or fearful of consequences?

Three Denials

Luke 22:56–60 “56 And a servant-girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight and looking intently at him, said, “This man was with Him too.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” 58 A little later, another saw him and said, “You are one of them too!” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 After about an hour had passed, another man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.”

Key Truth: Fear of people can lead to unfaithfulness—even in sincere disciples.

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First Denial: Fear of a servant girl (other people)

Second denial: Denial of identity (being identified with Him)

Third denial: denial of association and belonging (now even being associated to Jesus, or belonging to, following Jesus at all)

What do you learn from the denials? What do they reveal about the power of fear and self-protection?

Application: Recognize how fear can lead to compromise. Identify the subtle ways we deny Christ— through silence, avoidance, or blending in.

The Roosters crow and Jesus look

Luke 22:61–62 “61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.”

Key Truth: Jesus’ awareness of our failure is not to crush us —but to turn us back.

Peter remembers the Lord’s words about the rooster — God’s word was fulfilled

Jesus turns and looks at Peter

The look is not condemning but piercing truth and remembered grace.

Peter’s grief leads toward repentance, not excuses.

What happens after Peter’s third denial (v.60)?

What does Jesus do (v.61)? And what does Jesus remember?

How does Peter respond (v.62)?

Application: Let Jesus’ gaze — His truth and His grace—call you back when you fail. Failure is not final when you meet with the eyes and heart of Christ.

Jesus stands Firm

Luke 22:63–65 “63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking Him and beating Him, 64 and they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, “Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?” 65 And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming.”

Key Truth: While Peter collapses in fear, Jesus stands firm under suffering —showing His worthiness and love.

Jesus is mocked, beaten, blindfolded, and blasphemed.

His identity is mocked: Prophesy! Who is the one who hit You?

The contrast: Peter denies Jesus, yet Jesus endures for Peter

How did Jesus’ response to mockery differ from Peter’s response to pressure?

What does this reveal about His mission and about His character?

Does this help you appreciate His sacrifice even more?

Application: Look to Jesus as the model of faithful endurance. When mistreated or misunderstood, respond with integrity rather than retaliation.

Discussion Questions

Where do believers today most commonly “follow at a distance,” and what helps us close the gap?

How does Jesus’ look toward Peter shape your understanding of grace and restoration?

What are some “courtyard fires” today—places where comfort and fear make it easy to blend in and deny Christ subtly?

Conclusion

Our passage gives us a sobering picture of a disciple under pressure. Even strong believers can stumble when fear takes over. But Jesus’ steady presence —and His look toward Peter — shows that failure is not final when we come back to Him.

At the same time, the abuse Jesus endures reminds us that He is not just an example— He is the Suffering Servant of Isa53, who willingly is walking toward the cross for our redemption to lay down His life for ours!

Take-away: Jesus’ faithfulness is greater than our failures. Draw near to Him, trust His grace, and stand courageously with Him —even when the fire is hot and the pressure is real.

Standing Firm in Faith

Have you been in a situation where people have made up their mind about you even before you opened your mouth at all? Or maybe Been in a situation where you were falsely accused of something and had to stand up for your beliefs in front of others who did not understand or agree?

Sometimes standing firm doesn’t look loud or dramatic. Sometimes it looks like quiet confidence when everyone else has made up their mind. Jesus is not shouting. He is not defending himself emotionally. He is standing in truth — knowing the outcome.

Think back earlier in this chapter with the incident with Peter

Peter stood in the courtyard and faltered

Jesus stands before the council and does not waver

One denied; the Other declares

Our passage today will clearly show Jesus Standing firm in faith.

Our passage this morning starts at daybreak. The Sanhedrin is gathered, the elders, the scribes, they gather to interrogate Jesus. They demand to know if He is the Christ. Jesus responds that they will not believe Him and that the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of God. They press on and ask if he is the Son of God, he affirms their words, and the council concludes and needs no further testimony and sends him to Pilate.

Big Idea: Even in the face of face accusations and trials, we are called to uphold the truth as exemplified by Christ, assuring us that our unwavering faith is rooted in the ultimate truth of His sacrifice.

Luke 22:66–67 NASB95

66 When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, 67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe;

Luke 22:68–69 NASB95

68 and if I ask a question, you will not answer. 69 “But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

Luke 22:70–71 NASB95

70 And they all said, “Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”

Luke 23:1 NASB95

1 Then the whole body of them got up and brought Him before Pilate.

What did you see or notice in this passage, and why? And maybe something else, does this bring up any feeling, emotion?

Who gathered together to question Jesus (v.66)?

Sanhedrin, elders, chief priests, and scribes

Side note, a reminder the Sanhedrin was the Jewish ruling body made up of 70 members religious and political leaders combined. Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians. These guardians of the Scripture failed to recognize the fulfillment of the very Scripture they were trying to guard.

What did they ask Jesus directly (v.67)?

If you are the Christ, tell us

How did Jesus respond to their demand (vv.67-68)?

He said they would not believe Him and would not answer if He questioned them.

What future reality did Jesus declare about Himself (v.69)?

The Son of man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.

There was one more question they asked of Him, what was it (v.70)?

Are You the Son of God, then?

How did Jesus answer the questions (v.70)?

Yes, I am, or in some versions it say You say that I am (He affirms their words).

What conclusion did the council reach (v.71)?

They said they needed no further testimony because they heard it from His own mouth.

What did they do with Jesus next (v.23:1)?

Let Him to Pilate.

Simple application before even going further. In a world where truth is often compromised and faith is challenged, this passage, this teaching can encourage us, remind us to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God’s sovereignty, even when facing trials or unjust accusations.

The Council Convenes w/Verdict in mind already

Luke 22:66–67 “66 When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, 67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe;”

Keep in mind they arrested Jesus at night. They took Jesus to the High Priest home, questioned Him there, now that it is day break they bring him to Jewish Council, the Sanhedrin.

The Sanhedrin meets at daybreak —symbolic of legality, yet their motives are corrupt

Jesus had already done many things in their presence before, healed publically, taught openly in the temple and the synagogues, fulfilled prophesy, and performed undeniable miracles.

Their question is not sincere; they seek confirmation, not truth.

Their problem was not the lack of evidence — it was lack of surrender. Spiritual blindness is rarely intellectual —it is often moral.

Jesus stands before human judges while being the true Judge.

Application:

We must guard against approaching God with predetermined conclusions rather than open hearts.

Spiritual blindness often comes from unwillingness, not from lack of evidence.

Discussion question (watch the time to see if time permits)

How can we tell when we are seeking God’s truth verses seeing confirmation of our own desires?

Jesus exposes their unbelief and Declares His Authority

Luke 22:67–69 “67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; 68 and if I ask a question, you will not answer. 69 “But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.””

Jesus does not argue, but reasons with the truth with them.

Jesus reveals their unbelief: “You will not believe . . . you will not answer.”

He points them to His future exaltation, not defending Himself but proclaiming truth.

“Son of Man. . . right hand of God” is a claim of divine authority (find in Ps110, and in Dan7)

Dan7:13-14 in short says the Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion

Ps110:1 “Seated at the right hand of God”

This is not vague language. This is a direct claim to: Authority, Judgment, Kingship, Divine Status. The One they are judging will one day be the judge of them!

Application:

Jesus does not bend, compromise the truth to gain approval—neither should His followers.

Christ’s authority is not diminished by human rejection.

Think about this for a minute, the silence of Jesus:

He does not call angels

He does not defend reputation

He does not retaliate

He does not argue endlessly. Why? Because truth does not panic!

Discussion question (Time permitting)

Why are we often more defensive about our reputation than Jesus was about His?

Rejected! and Handed over

The Sanhedrin, council of elders, chief priests and scribes had reached a predetermined conclusion.

They ask again, hoping for grounds to condemn Him.

Jesus affirms His identity — they condemn Him for telling the truth.

Their decision is immediate: “What further need do we have . . . ?”

They deliver Him to Pilate, shifting responsibility while pursuing their agenda.

Application:

Rejecting Jesus often comes from refusal to surrender authority

Passing responsibility to others does not remove guilt before God.

Discussion Question: Why do people still reject Jesus today when confronted with the truth?

Conclusion/Takeaway

Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin not as a helpless victim but as the sovereign Son of Man. Their rejection does not diminish His identity—it reveals their hearts. This passage calls us to examine our own posture toward Christ: Are we seeking truth, or seeking to justify our own desires?

Maybe some more modern applications as we face pressures today.

We may face workplace pressure to compromise values; or culture pressures to soften our biblical convictions?

What about social pressure to stay silent about Christ, or personal trials where faith is questioned, even by yourself?

Standing firm does not mean being harsh

Jesus stood firm without being combative

Major Take-away: Jesus is the true King and Judge, and His identity remains unshaken even when rejected. Our calling is to receive His truth and open hearts and follow Him faithfully, regardless of opposition. When He returns He is looking for faithfulness not perfection.

Faithfulness in our speech, convictions, humility, in our obedience. Standing firm does not mean flawless living — it means unwavering allegiance.