LENT SERMON SERIES: MAKING DECISIONS OF FAITH IN THE MIDST OF LIFE'S STRUGGLES (Luke 22:47-53)

Life is about choices and decisions. Among many choices, we must make decisions. The heavier the struggles of life, the harder it is to decide. Deciding whether to take medicine for a common flu or fever is easy. But deciding to undergo surgery when cancer is threatening is certainly very difficult. Therefore, we must learn to make the right decisions in life. The right decision is not based only on human reasoning, but on faith.

The theme of today’s reading from Lukas 22:47–53 is: Making Decisions of Faith in the Midst of Life’s Struggles.

 

This passage tells the story of the arrest of Jesus. Several figures in this story teach us how to make faith-based decisions in the middle of struggles, challenges, and even conflict with others.

1. Judas Iscariot

Judas came with the Jewish leaders to arrest Jesus. He was one of Jesus’ disciples and served as the treasurer (John 12:6; 13:29). This means Judas was someone close to Jesus — a trusted insider. Yet he betrayed Him. The name Judas means “praised by God,” but his life was full of hypocrisy. Before the Last Supper, Judas had already decided to cooperate with the Jewish leaders. He accepted 30 pieces of silver and looked for a way to hand Jesus over. In the Taman Getsemani, Judas carried out his decision. He approached Jesus and kissed Him as a sign to identify Him. The other disciples may have thought this kiss was an expression of love. Judas could deceive the disciples, but not Jesus. Jesus knew the kiss was not sincere — it was betrayal.

Jesus rebuked him: "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" (v.48) This shows that Judas’ decision was not the decision of a true disciple.

2. Simon Peter

When Jesus and the disciples faced an armed crowd, the disciples reacted strongly: "Lord, should we strike with the sword?" Before Jesus answered, one disciple acted immediately.

Luke does not mention his name, but John 18:10 tells us it was Simon Peter. Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant named Malkhus. Peter acted without waiting for guidance. Jesus rebuked him: "No more of this!" Then Jesus healed the servant’s ear. This shows that Peter’s decision was also not the decision of a true disciple.

3. Jesus

While praying in Gethsemane, Jesus chose to do the Father’s will. He decided to drink the cup of suffering and walk the way of the cross. In the garden, Jesus surrendered Himself to be arrested so that God’s plan would be fulfilled. Even in the middle of conflict, He showed love by healing Malchus. He did not respond to violence with violence. Jesus chose the path of peace by sacrificing Himself.

 

God’s Word corrects our lives. We blame Judas, yet we sometimes live like him — showing false faith, appearing holy while harboring jealousy, resentment, and selfish ambition. We disagree with Peter, yet we often act like him — driven by emotion, hurting others with our words and actions instead of becoming peacemakers. During this season of reflecting on the suffering of Yesus Kristus we are faced with choices. What kind of life will we choose? Will we live like Judas — with hypocrisy?
Will we fight like Peter — with impulsive emotion? Or will we surrender to God’s will, even through suffering? What will we choose? Let us follow the example of Christ who suffered. Keep loving even when hurt. Remain faithful even in struggle.
Whatever happens, do not turn away from Jesus. Make Jesus your life’s choice and decision. Amen.

 

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