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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 22:40 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 22:40, spoken by Jesus to His disciples, occurs during a significant moment just before His betrayal and subsequent crucifixion.

At this point, Jesus has arrived at the Mount of Olives, an area near Jerusalem, and is instructing His disciples to pray to avoid falling into temptation.

Literally, Jesus is advising them to seek strength through prayer to face upcoming trials and resist the urge to act contrary to God's will.

On a deeper level, this passage highlights the necessity of spiritual vigilance and dependence on God during times of moral and spiritual testing.

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Historical Context

This passage is set during the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, known as the Passion.

It is part of the New Testament narrative in the Gospel of Luke, written in the context of a Roman-ruled Judea circa the first century.

The Mount of Olives, the location of this verse, is significant as a place where Jesus often went to pray and teach.

This instruction comes immediately before the agony in the garden, where Jesus experiences profound anguish over His impending suffering and death.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Luke 22:40 can be seen as emphasizing the importance of prayer in Christian life.

Some commentators suggest it reflects on human frailty and the need for divine assistance to overcome sin and temptation.

In Catholic thought, the verse is often related to the concept of "concupiscence" or the inclination to sin.

Protestant theology might focus on the verse in the context of personal relationship with God and the idea that prayer is a means of seeking God's grace to face life's challenges.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 22:40 serves as a reminder to the faithful to be prayerful, especially in moments of difficulty or decision-making. It encourages individuals to be proactive in seeking spiritual support to avoid making choices that go against their values or faith.

The verse can be applied in daily life by instituting regular prayer practices, engaging in self-reflection, and creating accountability within one's community.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:41: "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Mark 14:38: "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."

1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Ephesians 6:18: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "pray" is "προσεύχεσθε" (proseuchesthe), which suggests earnest prayer or supplication.

The phrase "enter not into temptation" involves the word "εἰσένεγκητε" (eisenenkēte), which implies being brought or carried into something, here, "temptation" or "πειρασμόν" (peirasmon), which can mean trial, proving, or temptation.

This suggests an active avoidance of a state where one might be tested beyond their spiritual capacity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, similar emphasis is placed on prayer as a means of overcoming temptation or evil influences.

For instance, in Islam, the daily prayers (salah) are considered a form of protection against sin.

In Buddhism, right mindfulness is part of the Noble Eightfold Path and is similar to the concept of being vigilant against moral wrong-doing.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific perspectives do not directly engage with the theological significance of the verse, research in psychology does explore the impact of practices like prayer and meditation on human behavior.

Studies suggest that such practices can reduce anxiety and increase self-control, which may in turn help individuals resist various forms of temptation.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars have interpreted Luke 22:40 through different lenses.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the need for continuous prayer in anticipation of trials.

The Expositor's Greek Testament suggests the verse implies a sense of urgency and personal responsibility in spiritual preparedness.

Other scholars highlight the connection between Jesus' solitary prayer in the subsequent verses and the need for communal prayer as seen in this verse, suggesting a model for both personal and collective spiritual discipline.

Luke 22

Luke 22

What does Luke 22:40 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 22:40 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?