Luke 22:24-46

Easy-to-Read Version

Be Like a Servant

²⁴ Later, the apostles began to argue about which one of them was the most important. ²⁵ But Jesus said to them, “The kings of the world rule over their people, and those who have authority over others want to be called ‘the great providers for the people.’ ²⁶ But you must not be like that. The one with the most authority among you should act as if he is the least important. The one who leads should be like one who serves. ²⁷ Who is more important: the one serving or the one sitting at the table being served? Everyone thinks it’s the one being served, right? But I have been with you as the one who serves.

²⁸ “You men have stayed with me through many struggles. ²⁹ So I give you authority to rule with me in the kingdom the Father has given me. ³⁰ You will eat and drink at my table in that kingdom. You will sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

Peter Will Be Tested and Fail^(A)

³¹ “Satan has asked to test you men like a farmer tests his wheat. O Simon, Simon,^{[a] 32} I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger when you come back to me.”

³³ But Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go to jail with you. I will even die with you!”

³⁴ But 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

³⁵ Then Jesus said to the apostles, “Remember when I sent you out without money, a bag, or sandals? Did you need anything?”

The apostles said, “No.”

³⁶ Jesus 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. ³⁷ The Scriptures say,

This Scripture must happen. It was written about me, and it is happening now.”

³⁸ The followers said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.”

Jesus said to them, “That’s enough.”^[b]

Jesus Prays Alone^(C)

^39-40 Jesus left the city and went to the Mount of Olives. His followers went with him. (He went there often.) He said to his followers, “Pray for strength against temptation.”

⁴¹ Then Jesus went about 50 steps away from them. He knelt down and prayed, ⁴² “Father, if you are willing, please don’t make me drink from this cup.^[c] But do what you want, not what I want.” ⁴³ Then an angel from heaven came to help him. ⁴⁴ Jesus was full of pain; he struggled hard in prayer. Sweat dripped from his face like drops of blood falling to the ground.^{[d] 45} When he finished praying, he went to his followers. He found them asleep, worn out from their grieving. ⁴⁶ Jesus said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray for strength against temptation.”