Luke 22:43

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Luke 22:43 (KJV)

Context

In Luke 22, Jesus gathers with His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, a place where He often went to pray. He tells His disciples to pray, while He goes a little farther and falls on His face, fervently praying to God. Jesus is fully aware of the imminent suffering He is about to endure on the cross. The intensity of this moment causes Jesus great anguish, to the point where He sweats drops of blood, as recorded in Luke 22:44.

Meaning

Luke 22:43 mentions that an angel from heaven appeared to Jesus, strengthening Him. The angel is described as a good angel, sent by God, and appeared in a visible form. The specific identity of the angel (e.g., Michael or Gabriel) is not revealed and is not important. The strengthening was for Jesus’ human nature, to sustain the great burden upon his soul. This event is unique to Luke’s Gospel.

The fact that Jesus, the Creator and Lord of angels, needed and admitted the assistance of an angel is an instance of his deep humiliation. The influence of the divine nature withdrew for the present, and as to his human nature, he was for a little while made lower than the angels and capable of receiving help from them. Though God the Father could have strengthened Christ’s human nature directly, and Christ could have strengthened it himself by his divine nature, the human nature was brought into so low a condition as to stand in need of an angel’s assistance. This shows the ministration of angels to Christ as man.

Biblical connections

When Jesus was not delivered from his sufferings, he was strengthened and supported under them, which was equivalent. The angel’s strengthening enabled Jesus to bear the cross with a brave and heroic spirit, looking to the joy set before him of the complete salvation of his people. This event demonstrates that God can proportion the shoulders to the burden.

Application

The appearance of the angel in this verse emphasizes Jesus’ humanity. While fully divine, Jesus also experienced the depth of human emotions and struggles. The angel’s visitation demonstrates God’s care for Jesus and His willingness to provide strength and support during this crucial moment. Furthermore, this verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to strengthen and uphold His servants in times of trial and difficulty. It demonstrates that God is aware of our struggles and sends His messengers to provide comfort and strength when needed.

Reflection

Luke 22:43 captures a powerful moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus seeks solace in prayer and receives divine encouragement through the appearance of an angel. It reminds us of Jesus’ humanity, God’s care for His Son, and the reassurance that God provides strength to His faithful followers in times of need.