Luke 22
by Philip Layton
The Last Supper before Jesus is betrayed, arrested, denied and put on trial
Discussion Questions
- During the Passover meal Jesus broke bread and told the disciples ‘do this in remembrance of me’ (v 19). How often do you think he meant this should be done?
- It may be easy to assume the disciples let Jesus down by falling asleep (v 45), but can you sympathise more with the drowsiness that is caused by sorrow?
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Going Deeper from 'Words of Life'
Taking time to pray is essential. In any relationship, communication is vital for getting to know one another and for deepening the bond. In our spiritual walk, it’s crucial to take time to pray. Time to talk with God and listen to him.
Jesus had a triumphal entry into Jerusalem. But he wept over the city, knowing what was in the people’s hearts: their fickleness, their shallowness.
He knew his every move was being watched, his every word scrutinised. And so, after teaching and healing people all day, he needed to be with his Father and to hear from him. He retreated to the Mount of Olives to spend time in prayer.
Richard Foster says in his book on prayer: ‘Jesus’ relationship with God the Father is, of course, absolutely unique, but experientially we are invited into the same intimacy with Father God that he knew while here in the flesh.
We are encouraged to crawl into the Father’s lap and receive his love and comfort and healing and strength. We can laugh, and we can weep, freely and openly. We can be hugged and find comfort in his arms. And we can worship deep within our spirit.’
Jesus knew his time was drawing near. He went back later, to the same mountain, to pray – bringing his disciples with him. He then asked them to pray – so they wouldn’t yield to temptation. We, too, need to always make time for prayer. To commune with Father God, daily; to make it a priority – a time to be anticipated with great joy.
I conclude today with an Irish blessing:
‘May the grace of God’s protection and his great love abide within your home and within the hearts of all who dwell inside. Amen.’
Beverly Ivany
Tags: Luke