diff --git a/content/bible_journal/luke_22:14-23.md b/content/bible_journal/luke_22:14-23.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2882e8b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/luke_22:14-23.md @@ -0,0 +1,44 @@ ++++ +title = "Luke 22:14–23" +date = "2023-02-05" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk22.14-23) + +The table is set, the preparations are complete, and Jesus is now ready to eat +the Passover meal with His disciples. And in the face of over a millenium of +tradition, Jesus adds some new elements to the formula. Before that, though, +Jesus expresses His gratitude that He gets to eat this Passover with His +closest disciples, knowing that it will be the last one He will have with them. + +His first break with tradition is that He does not partake in the four cups of +wine that are traditionally served at different points during the meal. The +wine was diluted with water to keep anyone from becoming drunk at this solemn +occasion, but Jesus doesn't have even that much. Instead His cup gets +distributed to everyone else at the table. I'm certain there is significance to +Jesus's abstinence at this time, but I haven't read anything to indicate what +it is. Jesus did drink wine before, especially in comparison to John the +Baptist since His enemies accused Him of being a drunkard. I also don't know if +"until the kingdom of God comes" (_v. 18_) refers to after His resurrection, or +after His Second Coming. I suspect knowing why would help answer when. + +The next thing Jesus does differently is to equate His body with the Passover +bread which is broken into pieces and given to everyone to eat. And He commands +them to "[d]o this in remembrance of me." (_v. 19_) Likewise, the cup of wine +after the meal is equated with Jesus's blood which is poured out for the new +covenant between God and man. This is how He could say in John 6:54, "He who +eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on +the last day." As He commanded us, churches around the world celebrate the +Lord's Supper by eating bread and drinking of the fruit of the vine, +remembering Jesus's sacrifice that makes eternal life with Him possible. + +Before the disciples can wonder what Jesus means by all this, He throws them +another curveball by telling them that He will be betrayed by someone who was +there that night. He also lets it drop that all these things have been +determined beforehand, and yet the betrayer is going to be facing divine +judgement anyway. + +* * * + +You are the only One who can change our natures, so that we will willingly +follow Your instructions.