Ellen often shares with me new insights received as she studies her daily scripture. Today her insights into the meaning contained in Luke’s recording of the last supper prompted this post.

Luke 22:15 And He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I shall not eat it [again] until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (NASB2020)

Jesus knew and communicated the true meaning of this Passover. He was about to die as the final Passover Lamb, bringing the kingdom of God to them and to all of us who would believe.

◦ What Ellen saw in the next verse that I now share confirms this.

✓ Luke 22:45 When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, (NASB2020)

“Sleeping from sorrow”. They were depressed. Ellen has suffered depression. She and I well know it’s impact on the body. It’s sorrow brings on sleep. Jesus had made clear what was about to take place, they would no longer have him to watch over them. True they would later have the Holy Spirit, but right then things were changing. He had implied those changes when He said:

Luke 22:35 And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “[No,] nothing.” 36 And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his cloak and buy [one.] (NASB2020)

Up to this point He was their guide and their security, now they would need to grow up and fight their own battles, both physical and spiritual. They sorrowed over the loss that they were feeling.

The awesomeness of the daily happenings that they were experiencing while He was with them were about to change. Their lives were about to change. The mountain tops were about to become deep valleys. Their own prayers must take on meaning.

Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded [permission] to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (NASB1995)

Luke 22:40 When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (NASB1995)

Things were changing. These men would be shown their lack of ability and commitment apart from Him. They would learn of their own weakness when He was no longer there with them. And they would learn that following Him and His word would bring about powerful change in them and in their effectiveness for ministering the Gospel.

Without Him and the one He has sent: His Holy Spirit, we are like them at their worst — we are nothing without Him. We have no wisdom and we are greatly lacking in discernment. We must learn to abide in Him, and then faithfully do what He teaches us.