Luke 22:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 22:15
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
Chapter Context
Luke 22 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-71: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 22:15
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
Analysis
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer. Jesus' opening words are emphatic—With desire I have desired (Ἐπιθυμίᾳ ἐπεθύμησα, Epithymia epethymēsa) uses Hebrew intensive construction (cognate dative) conveying passionate longing: 'I have earnestly/intensely desired.' This wasn't duty but deep personal yearning to share this moment with you (μεθ᾽ ὑμῶν, meth' hymōn) before His Passion.
Before I suffer (πρὸ τοῦ με παθεῖν, pro tou me pathein) reveals Jesus' full awareness of coming agony. Pathein (aorist active infinitive of πάσχω, 'to suffer') encompasses the totality: betrayal, arrest, trial, scourging, crucifixion. Yet He desired this meal beforehand—intimacy before isolation, fellowship before suffering, communion before sacrifice. His desire wasn't to avoid the cross but to share this covenant meal establishing what the cross would accomplish. Christ's longing for fellowship with His own reveals the Father-heart of God seeking communion with redeemed sinners.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke these words as the formal Passover liturgy began, probably just before or during the first cup (the Cup of Sanctification). The traditional haggadah recounted Israel's Egyptian bondage and God's deliverance. Jesus was about to transform this backward-looking memorial into a forward-looking anticipation of Kingdom consummation.
Reflection
- What does Jesus' 'earnest desire' to share this meal with the disciples reveal about His heart toward intimate fellowship with believers?
- How should knowing Christ desired communion with His disciples before suffering shape your approach to the Lord's Table?
- In what ways do you cultivate the kind of intimate fellowship with Christ that He clearly values and desires?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 12:50, John 4:34, 13:1