The Last Night
Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him.” Luke 22:22 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus says that while His death is part of God's plan, that doesn't let the betrayer off the hook. What a terrible thing it is to be the one who hands Him over.
This shows that God's big plan and human choices both matter. God's purposes will be fulfilled, but that doesn't remove personal responsibility.
Jesus speaks with both acceptance of His mission and genuine grief over the betrayer's choice, showing that God's plan and human accountability coexist.
Jesus doesn't blame God's plan for Judas' choice, and He doesn't pretend Judas had no choice. Both things are true: God is working out His purposes, and Judas is making a devastating decision he'll answer for.
Jesus affirms divine sovereignty ('the Son of Man goes as it has been determined' — kata to hōrismenon) while simultaneously pronouncing ouai (woe) on the betrayer, maintaining the tension between divine predestination and human culpability.
The verb horizō (determine/appoint) emphasizes divine foreordination, while the woe-pronouncement confirms Judas bears moral responsibility. This paradox of sovereignty and free will runs throughout Scripture.
Jesus speaks as both the obedient Son accepting His determined path and the prophetic judge pronouncing woe on the one who betrays Him.
In a single sentence, Jesus holds two truths in tension: God has ordained the path of the cross, and yet the man who enables it through betrayal bears full moral guilt. Divine purpose does not excuse human treachery.
20In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.
21Look! The hand of My betrayer is with Mine on the table.
22Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him.”
23Then they began to question among themselves which of them was going to do this.
24A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest.
Read all of Luke 22 — The upper room, a betrayer's kiss, a servant's ear, and Peter's denial by firelight. The longest night in history begins.
This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.
Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.
Download on the App StoreFree on iPhone & iPad