Actions Speak Louder Than Words

N.T.#647 "Actions Speak Louder Than Words"

 Oct. 8, 2025 

Luke 22-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

 Actions speak louder than words. We've heard that one many times, yet it is true. You can say you love someone, but treat them like dirt; what kind of influence do you have over them? Showing love and saying love should go hand-in-hand. 

What is the problem here? Found in verse 31, And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he many sift you as wheat. 

The "you" is a plural pronoun, so the devil would attack the whole group by attacking Peter, their future front man. (Swindoll)

In effect, Jesus was telling Peter his faith was going to fail, deny knowing Jesus 3 times. His actions spoke louder than his words. Although, Peter was to strengthen his brethren afterwards. (verse 32)

Swindoll put it this way, "After you have failed, remember that your faith need not fail; I command that when you recover from your stumble, you become a stronger leader than you are now."

Good ole Peter told the Lord he would go with Jesus to prison and even to death. (After all, Peter had a sword. He did strike at the soldier, missing his head and cutting off his ear. Jesus fixed that for him.) Denying knowing Jesus, being a part of His support group, spoke volumes. Can you see poor Peter later sobbing at his failure. (I think it may have saved his life, though, so he could later preach and 3,000 get saved.)

Does it seem like Satan is sifting you? Cling to Jesus. Let Him grow your faith and strength.

LET IT GROW

Jesus went up to the Mt. of Olives to pray:

Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done.

Peter, James, and John were selected to be near Christ during His agony of prayer. (Matt. 26:36-38) Other disciples remained some distance away, maybe at the gate.

The cup refers to Christ's coming death. Although without sin through His entire life, Jesus suffered humiliation, beatings, pain of nails through His hands and feet. Jesus surrendered His human weaknesses to God. He was bearing the weight of the whole world's sins on Him; even separation from His Father. Jesus knew what was ahead of Him. It was such an intense time of prayer that Jesus' sweat was like drops of blood. (verse 44) Only Luke, the physician tells us that.

An angel from heaven came to minister to Jesus and strengthen Him. (verse 43) He was not alone. Father God was with His Son.

Jesus' support system fell asleep, not praying for Him nor for themselves. It was a spiritual warfare. Later, His disciples would face ill treatment because of faith in Jesus. What they needed more than physical rest was spiritual strength. (verse 46)

Because of Jesus' divine nature, victory was sure, but His human nature was weak. He didn't give up or give in. Jesus completed His mission for which He had come.

Jesus chose between obedience and self-preservation. Jesus' actions, showing love and forgiveness, spoke louder than words. We may have the same decision one day. Is our devotion to Christ like that of the disciples-sound asleep? How about our service for Him? Are our actions speaking louder than our words? 

[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary; Swindoll's Living Insight on Luke; Life Application Study Bible]

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go in order to do God's will in our life?

Are we willing to endure whatever, suffering, death, humiliation, because we stand for Jesus?

Do our actions speak louder than words?