Luke 22:1-46: Jesus' New Passover
NOW WE ENTER deeply into the saddest days of history. With Judas' help the religious leaders, considered the most enlightened men in their nation, complete their plot to kill the Son of God. But these days are also the greatest days on earth for Jesus. He is about to complete his life mission, and he confirms to the eleven remaining that they will carry on that mission. So with them he privately establishes his new Passover to supersede the old Passover.
Warming Up to God
Recall your most moving celebration of the Lord's Supper. What made it so?
Read Luke 22:1-46. »
Discovering the Word
- What do verses 1-6 tell you about the authorities?
- Look at verses 7-23, comparing Jesus' plans with the authorities' plans. As you examine his plans, what impresses you about Jesus himself?
- Jesus chides the disciples for their preoccupation with power and prestige. What lesson does he teach about the kind of leaders he wants to carry on his work (vv. 26-27)?
- Jesus further prepares them for coming tests. The first preparation is for Peter immediately ahead. The second is for all the apostles in the long run. Like him they would have to face official hostility (vv. 36-38). In either testing what should help them to persevere (vv. 28, 29-30, 31, 32, 35)?
- What guidelines for praying do you see in each verse of 39-46, showing Jesus' example?
Applying the Word
- Jesus' institution of his new Passover was interspersed with human weakness and failure. In redeeming his disciples, he used their shortcomings. What weaknesses and failures do you want to acknowledge as you contemplate afresh eating Jesus' new Passover?
- What new, or renewed, truths about prayer do you discover in Jesus' example (22:39-46)?
Responding in Prayer
Follow the guidelines for prayer in Jesus' example.
For Further Study
The Prayer God Longs For by James Emery White