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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 22:46 mean?

Explanation

This verse, found in the Gospel of Luke, depicts a moment of profound urgency and instruction from Jesus to His disciples.

The setting takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane, shortly before Jesus' arrest.

His disciples have fallen asleep, and Jesus admonishes them to wake up and engage in prayer to avoid falling into temptation.

The literal meaning is a straightforward call to vigilance and prayer.

The deeper significance, however, lies in the recognition of human frailty and the need for spiritual strength to resist temptation, especially in trying times.

Jesus is emphasizing that prayer is not merely a ritualistic practice but a necessary discipline for spiritual fortitude.

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Historical Context

Luke 22:46 occurs during the final hours of Jesus’ life on earth.

The verse is part of the narrative describing the agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, a pivotal event in the Passion of Christ.

Jesus, aware of his imminent betrayal and suffering, goes to pray, seeking strength and solace from God the Father.

The disciples, who Jesus asked to keep watch, succumb to sleep, likely due to physical and emotional exhaustion.

This moment emphasizes Jesus' loneliness and the inability of the disciples to offer support when it was most needed.

The historical context includes the Jewish Passover during which Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent events unfolded.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse underscores the human tendency to fail in times of spiritual testing, a theme prevalent throughout Christian doctrine. It also reflects the necessity of prayer as a means of communicating with God and seeking His guidance.

From an evangelical perspective, the passage reinforces the importance of readiness and the constant need for God’s grace. A more liberal theological interpretation might focus on the human aspect of the disciples and the understanding of human weakness.

Additionally, the call to pray "lest ye enter into temptation" reflects the belief that spiritual practices can fortify one against sin and moral failure.

Practical Applications

In practical daily life, Luke 22:46 can be manifested in a number of ways.

Individuals can take from this the value of vigilance and spiritual preparation to face life’s trials.

It encourages believers to recognize the power of prayer, not just as a reaction to problems, but as a proactive measure.

It also serves as a lesson in accountability and perseverance, reminding us to be present and supportive in others’ times of need.

For Christians, this might also mean setting aside time for prayer and meditation, especially during periods of potential weakness or vulnerability.

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 Peter 5:8 - "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

Language Study

In the original Greek language of the New Testament, "Why sleep ye?" (τί καθεύδετε;) can be seen as more of a gentle rebuke than a sharp criticism.

"Rise" (ἐγείρεσθε) commands to get up or stand, indicating an immediate need for action.

"Pray" (προσεύχεσθε) in this context is used urging to communicate with God, suggesting a dependence on divine assistance to overcome trials.

"Temptation" (πειρασμόν) can refer to both testing and enticement to sin, implying that being spiritually unprepared can lead one to moral failure.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of prayer as a safeguard against temptation is not unique to Christianity.

In many religious traditions, prayer serves as a means of cleansing, guidance, and protection.

For instance, in Islam, regular prayer (Salah) is a fundamental practice intended to refocus the heart away from sinful or distracting acts.

In Judaism, prayer, particularly during times of temptation or moral testing, is a common teaching symbolizing a trust in God’s support and guidance.

These parallels show that the act of praying as a defense against the failings of human nature is a widespread religious concept.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the practice of prayer and meditation as suggested by this verse can align with research on mindfulness and stress reduction.

Neuroscientific studies demonstrate that regular meditation and prayer can influence the brain's response to stress and improve emotional regulation, potentially providing strength against temptations.

Additionally, psychological research might delve into the role of community and mutual support as essential factors in overcoming difficult circumstances, reflecting the disciples' role in being present during Jesus’ time of need.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians offer different insights into this verse.

Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that prayer is needed as a duty and interest in times of difficulty and that Christ's question "why sleep ye?" is designed to shame the disciples' slothfulness.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible views Jesus' command to rise and pray as urgent, considering the proximity of the danger and temptation.

The Expositor's Greek Testament discusses how this verse is parallel to the other synoptic Gospels, noting that the disciples are overcome by sorrow and fatigue, which Jesus tries to counterbalance with the call to vigilance and prayer.

Luke 22

Luke 22

What does Luke 22:46 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 22:46 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?