Archbishop Peter Jensen’s weekly online series on The Essential Jesus (the gospel of Luke). In each study the Archbishop will lead us through the book we intend on giving away to as many people as possible.
STEP 1: READING
Read Luke chapter 22, verses 39-73.
STEP 2: REFLECTION
Alone and alone and alone. Jesus prays alone; he suffers as we do, for he is truly man, truly one of us. Tested, he agonisingly submits his will to that of his Father. Tested, his disciples sleep. Then one of his own disciples appears with mob and identifies him with the kiss of friendship. One of his disciples is so out of touch with Jesus that he tries to defend him with a sword. The arresting officers are representatives of his own people. His close friend, Peter follows, but at the crucial moment is a coward and denies the relationship. Those who were intended to guard him, mocked, beat and insulted him. Justice is denied to the one who is perfectly just. The answers given by the one who is known to be the greatest of all prophets are twisted and used to condemn him. He is alone.
STEP 3: DISCUSSION
1 What does Jesus' agony before God in the Garden tell us about him? Is it right to say that he was alone?
2 Why was Jesus asked whether he was the Christ? Why did he evade a direct answer?
3There are at least two references to the eyes of Jesus in the text. Find them and think about their significance as part of what he suffered. Remember that he opened the eyes of the blind.
Ask your questions
Ask your questions about each study as it goes up.
Previous studies click here and scroll down
Prepare for the next study by reading Luke chapter 23.
