What does Luke 22:39-46 mean?
"Verse 45, 46: And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." - Luke 22:39-46
Luke 22:39-46 in the King James Version of the Bible tells the story of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before his arrest and crucifixion. This passage is rich with meaning and symbolism, and it provides insight into Jesus’ human and divine nature, as well as the spiritual warfare he faced.
“39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.”
This passage takes place just after the Last Supper, where Jesus foretells his betrayal and institutes the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. He then goes to the Garden of Gethsemane, a place of great significance for Jesus and his disciples. It was a place where Jesus often went to pray, and it was also the place where Judas would betray him to the authorities.
The first theme that is evident in this passage is the humanity of Jesus. As he prays in the garden, he wrestles with the reality of what is about to happen. He asks God to remove the cup of suffering from him, illustrating his very human desire to avoid the pain and agony that he knows is coming. This shows Jesus’ vulnerability and the depth of his human emotions, despite his divine nature.
At the same time, this passage also reveals Jesus’ submission to the will of God. While expressing his own desires, Jesus ultimately surrenders to God’s plan, saying, “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” This moment encapsulates the tension between Jesus’ human and divine natures, and it serves as a powerful example of obedience and trust in God’s sovereignty.
The imagery of Jesus’ sweat falling to the ground like drops of blood is both symbolic and poignant. This detail underscores the intensity of Jesus’ emotional and spiritual struggle, as well as the physical toll it takes on him. The presence of an angel from heaven, who appears to strengthen him, shows God’s provision and care for Jesus in his time of need. This serves as a reminder of the support and comfort that God offers to believers in their own times of trial and suffering.
The passage also highlights the disciples’ failure to remain vigilant in prayer. Jesus instructs them to pray so that they may not fall into temptation, but they are unable to stay awake. This foreshadows their upcoming failure to stand by Jesus in his hour of need and anticipates the challenges they will face in the days to come.
Overall, Luke 22:39-46 is a powerful and emotionally charged passage that provides profound insight into Jesus’ humanity, his divine submission to God’s will, and the spiritual warfare he faced. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer, vigilance, and reliance on God in times of trial and temptation. This passage ultimately sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the coming days and lays the groundwork for the redemptive work of Christ on the cross.
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Luke 22:39-46 Artwork
Luke 22:39-46 - "Luke 22:39-46 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”"
"Luke 22:39-46 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”" - Luke 22:39-46
Luke 22:39
Luke 22:39
Luke 22:46 - "And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."
Luke 22:39 - "¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him."
"And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." - Luke 22:46
Luke 5:39
Luke 1:39
"¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him." - Luke 22:39
Luke 1:39 - 45
Luke 9:46 - "¶ Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest."
Matthew 22:37-39
Luke 1:46 - "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,"
Genesis 46:22 - "These are the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen."
Luke 8:46 - "And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me."
Numbers 22:39 - "And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth."
2 Samuel 22:46 - "Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places."
Luke 6:46 - "¶ And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Exodus 39:22 - "¶ And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue."
Luke 20:39 - "¶ Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said."
Luke 7:46 - "My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment."
Matthew 22:39 - "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Luke 1:39 - "And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;"
Luke 19:46 - "Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves."
Luke 1:46-47 - "And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord," - Luke 1:46
Luke 20:46 - "Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;"
Jeremiah 46:22 - "The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood."
Job 39:22 - "He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword."