In 1936, Irving Berlin wrote one of his most famous songs for the film Follow the Fleet—“Let’s Face the Music and Dance.” In the movie, a couple meet on a rooftop, each contemplating ending their lives. Instead, they abandon despair and break into song and dance. It’s pure Hollywood—unrealistic, but memorable.
The film itself has faded, but the song has endured. Perhaps that’s because its opening line captured something real about the 1930s:
“There may be trouble ahead.”
That line proved prophetic in a decade marked by the Great Depression and the looming shadow of world war.
And in many ways, it also captures the tone of Gospel of Luke 22:24–38. As we journey with Jesus toward Easter, we are not heading toward economic collapse or global conflict—but toward something even more seismic: the cross.
In this passage, Jesus removes all uncertainty. Not “there may be trouble ahead,” but there will be.
1. There Will Be Trouble Ahead
The passage opens with a striking scene: the disciples arguing about greatness.
Votaries Vying
In Luke 22:24, the disciples—devoted followers of Jesus—are caught disputing who among them is the greatest. Though they have left everything to follow him, they still think in worldly terms. If Jesus is a king, surely there must be positions of power to claim.
But Jesus overturns their assumptions. Earthly rulers “lord it over” others, but his kingdom is different. True greatness is not found in authority, but in service. As he says, he himself is among them “as one who serves.”
This is a radical redefinition. Greatness is not a reward for service; service is greatness. The disciples will need to unlearn their instincts for power and embrace a life of humble, costly service.
Satan Sifting
Then comes a sobering warning. Jesus tells Peter that Satan has asked to sift the disciples like wheat. The enemy is active, seeking to exploit weakness and draw them away.
Yet even here, there is comfort: Satan must ask permission. He is not in ultimate control. God’s purposes remain sovereign, even over trials.
Still, the reality remains—following Jesus will involve spiritual conflict. There will be testing.
Disciple Denying
Jesus then predicts Peter’s denial. Despite Peter’s bold claim that he is ready for prison and death, Jesus tells him that before the rooster crows, he will deny him three times.It’s a devastating moment. The most confident disciple will falter.
There are two important lessons here. First, self-confidence is dangerous. 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” Second, failure is not final. 1 John 1:9 reminds us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us.
Provisions Procuring
Finally, Jesus tells his disciples to prepare differently for what lies ahead. Previously, they lacked nothing as they were welcomed. But now, the climate is changing. Opposition is coming.
When Jesus mentions swords, he is not calling for violence but using vivid imagery to signal hardship.
Following him will not always be safe or easy. The battle they face is spiritual, not physical—but it is real.
Timothy 2:3 says believers are to “join… in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
2. Because Jesus Is Going to the Cross
All this trouble is tied to one central reality: Jesus is going to the cross. He quotes from Book of Isaiah, saying he will be “numbered with the transgressors.” Everything unfolding is part of God’s plan.
And the cross reveals three vital truths about Jesus.
As a Substitute
Isaiah 53 makes it unmistakably clear: Jesus suffers in the place of others. He is pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.
This is the heart of the cross—substitution. Jesus bears the penalty we deserve so that we can be reconciled to God. What theologians call penal substitutionary atonement is not abstract theory; it is the very core of the gospel.
As an Example
Jesus is not like leaders who say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” He embodies the servant leadership he teaches.
Where the disciples grasp for status, Jesus embraces suffering. The cross is the ultimate display of servant-hearted love. As his followers, we are called to walk the same path—serving others, giving sacrificially, and putting others first.
As One Who Is Faithful
Peter promised faithfulness but failed. Jesus, however, remains faithful to the end.
He stands firm before authorities, endures rejection, and goes willingly to his death. Where others falter, he perseveres. He is faithful—even to death.
3. So What?
How should we respond?
Be Grateful
Jesus willingly walks into trouble—for us. He serves, suffers, and dies in our place. That should stir deep gratitude and worship. Before we rush to action, we must pause in awe.
Be Repentant
We see ourselves in Peter. We fail, deny, and fall short. But failure is not the end. Like Peter, we are invited to turn back, receive mercy, and be restored.
The Christian life is one of ongoing repentance and faith.
Be Prepared
Finally, we must be ready. Ready to witness. Ready to serve. Ready to suffer.
Because Jesus was right: There will be trouble ahead.
But we follow a Saviour who has already faced it—and overcome.
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