The Bryce Crawford Podcast

Episode 170: Luke Series Chapter 22 (December 22, 2025)

Main Theme

In this episode, Bryce Crawford continues his in-depth series through the Gospel of Luke, focusing on Chapter 22. The discussion centers on the Last Supper, betrayal of Jesus, lessons about leadership, Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, Peter's denial, and Jesus’ arrest and trial. The episode explores both the historical narrative and personal applications, emphasizing Christ's understanding of human betrayal, the true nature of greatness, and enduring faith under pressure.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Betrayal and the Passover (04:00–06:00)

• Betrayal by Judas:
  Bryce reads and responds to the account of Judas conspiring to betray Jesus for money, highlighting how Jesus personally understands the pain of being betrayed by someone close.

  “If anyone’s going to understand what it’s like to be betrayed by someone close to you, it’s going to be Jesus.”
  — Bryce Crawford (05:34)

• Personal Application:
  Bryce connects Christ’s experience to listeners' own betrayals, whether for status, gossip, or gain, reaffirming that “Jesus understands.” (06:08)

2. The Last Supper and the New Covenant (07:00–10:00)

• Symbolism in the Passover:
  Bryce points out the significance of Jesus—referred to as the ‘Lamb of God’—instituting the lasting tradition of communion during Passover, mirroring the sacrificial lamb.

  “The next time Jesus partakes in communion with his disciples… is at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Isn’t that crazy?”
  — Bryce Crawford (09:05)

• Establishing the New Covenant:
  Focus on Jesus breaking the bread and sharing the cup, teaching His followers to “do this in remembrance of me.” Bryce highlights that this ushers in the new covenant in Christ’s blood.

3. Ambition Among Disciples – True Greatness Is Serving (10:30–12:00)

• Argument Over Status:
  Bryce details the disciples’ dispute over who among them is greatest, and how Jesus turns their understanding upside down.

  “Let the greatest among you become as the youngest and the leader as one who serves… I am among you as the one who serves.”
  — Bryce Crawford, quoting Jesus (11:15)

• Leadership Through Service:
  Jesus models servant leadership, explaining He came “not to be served but to serve,” challenging listeners to also seek greatness through humble service.

4. Jesus Prepares His Disciples for Testing (12:01–14:00)

• Prediction of Peter’s Denial:
  Jesus tells Peter he will deny Him three times before the rooster crows—despite Peter's insistence of loyalty—teaching about overconfidence and spiritual self-awareness.

  “How many times do we say this? ‘Oh, I’m ready, God…’ We’ve got to remember this.”
  — Bryce Crawford (13:05)

• Shift from Total Dependence to Wise Preparation:
  Bryce brings out how Jesus now instructs His disciples to carry provisions, contrasting previous instructions, emphasizing learned dependence and practical wisdom.

5. Jesus in Gethsemane: Anguish and Submission (14:01–16:30)

• Jesus’ Deep Agony and Prayer:
  A dramatic retelling of Jesus’ prayer—“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done”—with Bryce explaining that Christ is feeling the overwhelming weight of humanity's sin.

  “He who knew no sin became sin so that you and I could become the righteousness of God.”
  — Bryce Crawford (15:28)

• Angelic Strength & Human Weakness:
  Jesus receives strength from an angel, but returns to find the disciples asleep, highlighting the frailty of even the most faithful followers.

6. The Arrest: Betrayed with a Kiss (16:31–18:00)

• Judas’ Betrayal:
  Bryce recounts the poignant moment when Judas identifies Jesus to the authorities with a kiss, and Jesus responds,

  “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
  — Bryce Crawford, quoting Jesus (17:18)

• Jesus’ Restraint & Healing:
  As Jesus is arrested and a disciple attacks, Jesus rebukes violence and heals the wounded servant, showing compassion even in the face of betrayal.

7. Peter's Denial and the Power of Shame (18:01–19:45)

• Three Denials:
  As predicted, Peter denies Jesus three times; at the moment the rooster crows, Jesus turns and looks at Peter.

  “Imagine the shame Peter felt. And he went out and wept bitterly.”
  — Bryce Crawford (19:32)

8. Jesus Mocked, Tried, and Confessing His Identity (19:46–21:30)

• Physical and Verbal Abuse:
  Jesus is mocked, beaten, and challenged to ‘prophesy’ by His captors.

• Before the Council:
  Jesus is questioned about His Messiahship, responds with quiet authority,

  “But from now on, the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
  — Bryce Crawford, quoting Jesus (21:05)

• Bryce’s Reflection:

  “The roles are reversed in glory right now. It’s never the one that suffers that gives glory, but Jesus is gaining the most glory in this suffering right now.”
  — Bryce Crawford (21:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Betrayal:
  “Maybe your friends didn’t stab you in the back for money… Jesus understands.” (06:08)
• On Communion:
  “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (09:40)
• On Leadership:
  “I am among you as the one who serves.” (11:15)
• On Jesus’ Suffering:
  “He who knew no sin became sin so that you and I could become the righteousness of God.” (15:28)
• On the Irony of Glory:
  “It’s never the one that suffers that gives glory, but Jesus is gaining the most glory in this suffering right now.” (21:15)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 04:00 — Judas and the theme of betrayal
• 07:00 — Last Supper, Communion, and the New Covenant
• 10:30 — Disciples dispute greatness; Jesus redefines leadership
• 12:01 — Peter’s predicted denial and lessons in dependence
• 14:01 — The agony in Gethsemane and the weight of sin
• 16:31 — Arrest of Jesus and Judas’ kiss
• 18:01 — Peter’s denial, shame, and remorse
• 19:46 — Jesus mocked, tried, confesses His identity before the council

Final Thoughts

Bryce closes with encouragement to the audience, urging listeners to read scripture for themselves rather than relying solely on external commentary:

“The ultimate heart is so that you go and read this word daily. You don’t rely on the podcast. You rely on the word of God and the Holy Spirit.” (22:10)

Bryce’s narration is approachable, passionate, and full of practical application, guiding both new and seasoned believers through one of the most pivotal chapters in the Gospels.

For further exploration: Read Luke 22 and consider how its themes of betrayal, humility, and faithfulness resonate in your own life.