Luke 22:39-53
Today's Passage: Luke 22:39-53
As we are flung forward into the arrest and trial of Christ, Luke takes the time here to detail the emotions and responses to temptation of Jesus and his disciples. Verse 53 summarizes the overall tone shift of this chapter when Jesus says, “But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” We have just witnessed the disciples disputing who is the greatest among them and the foretelling of Peter’s denial of Jesus. Things are looking bleak for Jesus and his followers.
Amid these dark moments, we get a glimpse of the heart of Christ in giving himself for us. He is in anguish as the ultimate turning away of not only Peter and the disciples, but of the Father himself looms large. However, Jesus says, “Not my will, but yours, be done.” Unlike the disciples who give in to temptation in their sorrow, Jesus remains resolute in his mission and allegiance to the Father.
The disciples seem to try and make up for their shortcomings by defending Jesus and cutting off someone’s ear at the approach of those who would arrest him. They still don’t understand who Jesus is or what he has come to do. The hour of darkness truly has come as Jesus is given over to those who will take his life.
As we reflect on the disciples’ disobedience and failings, there are some clear warnings for the believer. First, in our moments of exhaustion, temptation is lurking close by. There is no greater opportunity for the Devil to bring us into sin than when our flesh is weary. Second, the violent reaction of the disciples shows that they have not heeded the earlier instructions of Jesus and sought their own way. How often do we seek to accomplish what we think is best through our own means?
Thankfully, we can also look to the example of Christ and see how to overcome our sinful flesh. Jesus is in submission to the Father’s will and knows it well through spending time with him. Verse 39 tells us that it was Jesus’ practice to go before the Father in prayer in the evenings. As believers, we should prepare to face temptation daily in prayer and reading the Bible, not just in the moment of darkness. We also see that Jesus wanted to follow God’s way even when his human nature wanted to do anything but. We must trust that God has the best in mind for our lives and develop an eternal perspective for what happens daily.
Family Discussion
What temptations typically arise when you’re tired?
Do you know any Scripture that you can recall to fight temptation?
Written By: Corbin Farley
As we are flung forward into the arrest and trial of Christ, Luke takes the time here to detail the emotions and responses to temptation of Jesus and his disciples. Verse 53 summarizes the overall tone shift of this chapter when Jesus says, “But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” We have just witnessed the disciples disputing who is the greatest among them and the foretelling of Peter’s denial of Jesus. Things are looking bleak for Jesus and his followers.
Amid these dark moments, we get a glimpse of the heart of Christ in giving himself for us. He is in anguish as the ultimate turning away of not only Peter and the disciples, but of the Father himself looms large. However, Jesus says, “Not my will, but yours, be done.” Unlike the disciples who give in to temptation in their sorrow, Jesus remains resolute in his mission and allegiance to the Father.
The disciples seem to try and make up for their shortcomings by defending Jesus and cutting off someone’s ear at the approach of those who would arrest him. They still don’t understand who Jesus is or what he has come to do. The hour of darkness truly has come as Jesus is given over to those who will take his life.
As we reflect on the disciples’ disobedience and failings, there are some clear warnings for the believer. First, in our moments of exhaustion, temptation is lurking close by. There is no greater opportunity for the Devil to bring us into sin than when our flesh is weary. Second, the violent reaction of the disciples shows that they have not heeded the earlier instructions of Jesus and sought their own way. How often do we seek to accomplish what we think is best through our own means?
Thankfully, we can also look to the example of Christ and see how to overcome our sinful flesh. Jesus is in submission to the Father’s will and knows it well through spending time with him. Verse 39 tells us that it was Jesus’ practice to go before the Father in prayer in the evenings. As believers, we should prepare to face temptation daily in prayer and reading the Bible, not just in the moment of darkness. We also see that Jesus wanted to follow God’s way even when his human nature wanted to do anything but. We must trust that God has the best in mind for our lives and develop an eternal perspective for what happens daily.
Family Discussion
What temptations typically arise when you’re tired?
Do you know any Scripture that you can recall to fight temptation?
Written By: Corbin Farley
1 Comment
Wow, great message! It is extremely important to stay close to God by reading the Bible and praying, especially in this rapidly changing world. This post reminds me of Ephesians 6:11, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes!"