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Luke 22

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.

And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?

And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.

And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.

And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

What does Luke 22:41 mean?

Explanation

Luke 22:41 describes a moment during the final hours before Jesus' arrest, where Jesus withdraws from his disciples to pray.

The phrase "about a stone's cast" suggests a short distance, indicating that Jesus sought a modest level of privacy, but remained close enough to be within earshot or eyesight.

Kneeling down to pray was a common posture of submission and reverence in prayer.

This gesture symbolizes humility and the act of supplication before God.

The verse signifies a moment of deep personal anguish and communion with the Father, as Jesus prepares for the suffering that is to come.

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Historical Context

The verse is set in the Garden of Gethsemane, near the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, after the Last Supper and just before Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested.

The time frame is the evening leading up to the Jewish festival of Passover, a period when Jerusalem would be crowded with pilgrims.

This moment is significant because it reflects Jesus' human nature, as He experiences fear and distress about the impending crucifixion, and also His divine nature, as He surrenders to the will of God.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse touches upon several key doctrines:

The humanity of Jesus: By expressing the desire to be alone in prayer, Jesus exhibits human emotions. 2.

The divinity of Jesus: Even in human form, Jesus seeks to align with God's will, emphasizing his divine identity. 3.

The doctrine of the Trinity: In prayer, Jesus communes with the Father, implying a relationship within the Godhead. 4.

The concept of atonement: Jesus' prayer and subsequent actions lead to his sacrifice, which is central to salvation.

Different denominational perspectives may interpret this verse in various ways, but many agree on the significance of Jesus' example of seeking God's guidance in times of despair.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a model for believers to seek solace and guidance through prayer, especially during times of trial. It emphasizes the importance of:

Privacy and personal communion with God.
The posture of humility in our approach to God.
The willingness to submit to God's will, even when facing difficult circumstances.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:39 - "And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." 2.

Mark 14:35-36 - "And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt." 3.

Hebrews 5:7-8 - "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;"

Language Study

Key words in this verse, when scrutinized in the original Greek text, include:

"Withdrawn" (ἀπεσπάσθη): Often translates as "he was separated/pulled away," suggesting a deliberate action to seek isolation. 2.

"Stone's cast" (λίθου βολήν): This phrase is not precise but gives the implication of a short distance away. 3.

"Kneeled down" (θείς τὰ γόνατα): Indicates a deliberate act of kneeling, commonly associated with prayer and submission.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this moment to other ancient myths and religions, one might find parallels in figures who experience moments of isolation and communion with the divine before fulfilling their destinies, such as in examples of Greek heroes or even earlier Jewish figures like Moses communing with God on Mount Sinai.

However, the Christian interpretation emphasizes the uniqueness of Jesus' mission and his dual nature as fully human and fully divine.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological and neuroscientific research explores the impact of prayer and meditation, and their abilities to affect mental and physical well-being.

While science does not validate the supernatural elements of the Bible, it does acknowledge that practices like prayer can have significant effects on the stress response and overall health.

Commentaries

Bible scholars and theologians offer a variety of interpretations for Luke 22:41.

Some emphasize the depth of Jesus' agony and the importance of his decision to submit to God's will in this moment of intimate prayer.

Others focus on the exemplary nature of this act for Christians, serving as a model of how to face trials with faith and trust in God's plan.

Commentary often highlights the dual nature of Jesus' experience, facing the very human emotions of fear and dread, while also embodying the divine nature through complete obedience to God.

Luke 22

Luke 22

What does Luke 22:41 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 22:41 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?