Luke 22:15

“And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer.”

Context:Luke 22:15 takes place during the Last Supper, a significant event that occurred just before Jesus’ crucifixion. This verse is part of Jesus’ conversation with His disciples where He expresses His deep desire to eat the Passover meal with them before His impending suffering.

Passover:The Passover was a sacred feast for the Jews, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. It involved the sacrifice of a lamb, the consumption of unleavened bread, and the sharing of a special meal. Jesus, being Jewish, observed the Passover with His disciples.

Jesus’ Desire:In this verse, Jesus reveals His intense longing to partake in the Passover with His disciples. This desire goes beyond the physical act of eating the meal; it represents His longing for fellowship, communion, and connection with His closest followers. Despite knowing what lay ahead, Jesus eagerly anticipated sharing this final Passover with them.

Importance of the Passover:The Passover meal had significant symbolism in relation to Jesus’ mission and sacrifice. It foreshadowed His role as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose blood would bring salvation and deliverance from sin. By participating in the Passover, Jesus was establishing a connection between the ancient Jewish tradition and His forthcoming sacrifice.

Significance of Jesus’ Suffering:Jesus mentions His suffering in this verse, which points to His impending crucifixion. Through His suffering and death, Jesus would fulfill God’s plan of redemption, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity’s sins. His suffering was a necessary step in the divine plan to reconcile mankind with God.

Lessons for Believers:Luke 22:15 serves as a reminder of Jesus’ willingness to endure suffering for the sake of humanity. It demonstrates His deep love for His disciples and His commitment to fulfilling God’s plan of salvation. As believers, we can find inspiration in Jesus’ example of sacrificial love and obedience to God’s will.

The Communion:This verse also lays the foundation for the institution of the Lord’s Supper or Communion. In the following verses, Jesus institutes the practice of sharing bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood, representing the new covenant established through His sacrifice. This act of communion serves as a continual remembrance of Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and the salvation He offers to all who believe in Him.