Friday, June 20, 2008

Luke 22

The religious leaders look to find a way to get rid of Jesus. Passover is the anniversary observation of the Exodus from Egypt of the Israelites. One of Jesus' disciples, Judas, sells out Jesus with the religious leaders so they will find Jesus in a place away from the crowds (they are chicken) in order to trap Jesus.

Jesus prepares for a Passover meal with his friends. Jesus seems to tie the Passover meal and Exodus with his suffering and death. This becomes to us what we cal communion or the Holy Eucharist or the Lord's Supper today. As you might expect, the group misses the gravity of the meal and argues about who is the greatest. Jesus (again!) reminds them that greatness comes in serving others and not in lording it over others. Jesus further says he serves. Jesus knows his friends are in for tough times and will most likely abandon him to save their own lives. Even his best friend Peter will deny knowing Jesus.

Jesus goes to pray, as was his regular practice, on the Mount of Olives. He is sorely tempted to find another way (besides torture and death) to carry out God's plan. Jesus realizes that he must do what is asked for him and even he may not know why. His does not questions but is faithful. While he was anguishing, his friends fall asleep!

Jesus is arrested and points out what chickens the religious leaders are. Once arrested, peter does deny knowing Jesus to save his own hide. When he realizes that he denied a friend, he cries. Jesus is mocked and beaten and brought before the religious assembly to be questioned.

No comments: