trying to find His way
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:44) What kind of picture do You have of God?When we imagine God, we use images of power, glorious light and majesty.We stress the awesomeness and holiness of God, a God to be feared.What image…
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) Jesus taught His disciples to pray like Him.He taught them to pray: ‘May Your kingdom come, may Your will be done’.This is how Jesus is praying in Gethsemane as well.That was His ‘on earth as it…
“If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22:36) Once a very sincere christian used this verse to defend gun ownership.They were convinced that Jesus urges His followers to arm themselves.Jesus isn’t preparing them to fight; He will tell them to drop their swords (Matthew 26:52).He is fulfilling the words of Isaiah…
“Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33) Growing up in church we sang many songs about commitment to Jesus.“Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to Thee…”“Though none go with me, still I will follow…”“I love to the tell the story…”In a sense Peter is singing…
“You are not to be like that.” (Luke 22:26) What makes someone great in God’s eyes?Greatness in the world is determined by position, strength and power.It is to be on top of others, exercising authority as a ‘Benefactor’.When those on the bottom do not follow the rules, they must be lorded over.Top down authority, ruling by…
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20) There is a sad irony in this shared cup of communion.Jesus says this cup represents a new covenant relationship.A covenant is an agreement between two or more parties to be in relationship.Like a marriage, or a treaty between nations,…
“The Teacher asks: ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’” (Luke 22:11) As I see it, this was not a mind-reading or future-telling miracle.They were expected, the host knew they were coming, and the room was prepared.Like making plans for Christmas today, Jesus would have made Passover plans.Jesus eagerly…
“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.” (Luke 22:3) ‘Satan enters Judas’ is Luke’s way of describing what happened to Judas.The deceiver was constantly whispering doubts and fears in the disciples’ minds.Jesus tells Peter this while they’re eating the Last Supper (Luke 22:31-32).But Jesus was constantly praying for His disciples, for He knew their…
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life…” (Luke 21:34) Jesus is preparing His followers for the challenges of kingdom living.To carry the yoke of Jesus is to let Him train us for Jesus-like living.But it is possible to carry another yoke, to be burdened by unhealthy…
“When you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:31) Did Jesus mean the kingdom of God would come soon, in the disciples’ time?Or was He referring to the final day of history, when Jesus fully returns?It depends on how we understand ‘the kingdom of God’.Jesus confers a different…