Never Say Never
The Passover was approaching and the chief priests were plotting to kill Jesus. Judas, one of the 12 disciples led by satan, agrees to betray Jesus and the chief priest gave him money to give up Jesus' location. (Luke 22:6) This takes me back to Luke 16 where we see people value money over doing what is right. (Luke 16:13) It amazes me that Judas, one of jesus' own, betrayed him for money. This is why 1 Timothy 6:10 says the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Judas allowed the devil to convince him to do this, and he actually took the money. Don't allow money to control your life, and don't allow the enemy to control it either. You have the ability to overcome ever battle you come across, because we serve a God that does not fail! However, all of this had to happen, it was apart of God's plan all along. God has a plan for all of us, and it may involve pain and suffering but when you endure it all you will come out better than you came in. I know we say this often, but trust God's plan for your life.
The disciples were preparing for the passover, gathering the lamb, wine, bread, and other foods. The Passover meal included the sacrifice of a lamb because of the association with the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. God told them to kill a lamb and paint it's blood on the door frames of their houses when the israelites were getting ready to leave. (Exodus 12) Peter and John had to buy and prepare the lamb as well as the bread, wine, and other foods. (luke 22:13) When the time had come Jesus and the disciples shared the last supper together. (Luke 22:16. The wine and the bread was divided among them. Today we call this Communion, done in remembrance of Jesus Christ. (Luke 22:19-20) In the traditional Passover meal, wine is served four times, symbolizing God's four-part promise of redemption. (Exodus 6:6-7)
Jesus tells Peter that he will deny him 3xs, but Peter denies this claim saying he is ready to go to jail and die for Jesus. (Luke 22:33) Jesus also told the disciples that one of them would betray him. So Jesus took them to the Mount of Olives to pray so that they wouldn't fall into temptation, but they were found sleeping instead. They weren't keeping watch, and they let their guard down. (Luke 22:46) In the midst of all this a crowd came up and Judas was leading them. It was the chief priest, officers of the temple, and the elders coming to arrest Jesus. Peter pulls his sword and cuts off one of the servant's ear, (Luke 22:51) he was ready to fight for Jesus. However, when they asked if he was with Jesus he denied knowing Jesus 3xs.
I always say never say never because you never know what can happen in life. Everything that Jesus spoke about his disciples betraying him had come to pass. (Luke 22:57-58,60) We have to be aware of our own breaking points, and not become self-sufficient. Peter was hurt that he had did such a thing, but everything he experienced in this moment would change his life forever, for the better. (Luke 22:62) If you have ever failed God, know that he can still use broken people like you & I.
Sin can grow and grow until it's out of control, if you let it. Peter let his sin grow each time he lied about knowing Jesus. Telling a lie can only make the situation worse, it is better to just be honest the first time around; white lies are just as wrong. Confess your sins or lies to God and he can help you avoid making the same mistakes Peter did.
The council of religious leaders questioned Jesus asking if he was the Messiah, he responds in an indirect way but still agreeing that he was the son of God. (Luke 22:70) In Exodus 3:4 God is also referred to as "I am". So when Jesus said, You say that I am." the high priest recognized Jesus' claim. They had everything they needed to take Jesus to trail, and they did.