This is Session 2 of our six-part virtual Bible study for Lent. Each session will include the text and one or more questions for discussion. Please respond to the question and to each other's responses.
Session 2: Luke 22:24-46
Questions:
The End of the Last Supper
What does this passage tell us about Jesus?
What does this passage tell us about the disciples?
Jesus Prays at the Mount of Olives
What does this passage tell us about Jesus?
What does this passage tell us about the disciples?
For both questions and both passages try to focus just on this text--it is ok to compare this passage to what else is said in Luke (or the rest of Scripture for that matter), but just focus on this passage. In other words, what can you learn about Jesus and the disciples in general, and Jesus and the disciples at this very moment in time, just after the last supper and just before his arrest?
The Text: (NIV) The End of the Last Supper
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”
“Nothing,” they answered.
36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors']; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”
38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”
“That’s enough!” he replied.
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[
45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
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Last Supper.
First question: Jesus reveals himself as a servant, not a typical leader. He tells his disciples that they must aspire to becoming servant-leaders in the days to come, and not typical leaders that lord it over their followers. Also, Jesus reveals His love for his disciples, and confers on them the right to sit with Jesus in Heaven as friends and judges.
Second question. The disciples still don't get it. They are arguing about who is the greatest in their group. There's a message here. Jesus doesn't give up on them, and in fact confers on them the right to be with Him in Heaven. He loves them, and gives them advice about the trials to come.
Mount of Olives
First question. Jesus shows us His humanity. He knows the pain and rejection that is coming and asks for God's agreement to back out. However, He knows this cannot happen. God sends an angel to strengthen Him. Father and Son move ahead to the sacrifice, in agreement as to what has to be done.
Second question. The disciples are worn out. They can't resolve the fact that Jesus is Lord, and yet will not become King of Israel, but will be "numbered among the transgressors." .They know that Jesus could become King if he wanted to. What are they to do? Jesus does not give up on them, but warns them of the temptations to reject Him that are to come.