Luke 22:31-46
Dear RTB’ers,
We are still at Maundy (Holy) Thursday in our readings, terminating the meal and then leaving for the Garden of Gethsemane, where tomorrow’s reading will have soldiers arresting Jesus. Think of all that we have on this Thursday of Holy Week, putting together information from all four gospels: Jesus foot-washing; the Last Supper; His institution of the Eucharist; His many teachings, especially in John’s gospel and in particular about the Holy Spirit in John 14-16 and His High Priestly prayer in John 17; Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial; Judas’ intended betrayal and departure; Gethsemane and Jesus’ prayer, “Not My will, but Your will be done…”; the apostles sleeping; and finally, His arrest. I like how our Anglican tradition celebrates this holy day, especially the stripping of the altar. Carol and I have vivid memories of different priests undertaking this one task. Memories that are THICK with reflection…
And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. (v. 43) This information is found only in Luke’s gospel. We have angels “ministering” to Jesus after His forty days in the wilderness in Matthew and Mark (Mt. 4:11, Mk. 1:13), but I don’t recall any other time in the gospels where we have angels alongside Jesus. So the “ministering” angels and the “strengthening” angel lead me to wonder whether Jesus regularly had guardian angels. I daresay that most of us, if questioned, would agree that we have guardian angels watching over us. So Jesus having guardian angels should not be a stretch for us. I wonder what they did for Him. Presumably He was filled with the Holy Spirit from His baptism on. Were the angels also special envoys from His Father? Jesus had said the He had twelve legions of angels at His disposal (Matthew 26:53). So what did Jesus’ guardian angels do? Thoughts…?
Question #2 in STS is intriguing… STS also notes that the “you” in Luke 22:31 is plural, referring to all the apostles at the Last Supper, while in Luke 22:32 it is singular, referring only to Peter.
Blessings!
After Fred posted today, we had a discussion of what biblical support there is for the idea of guardian angels. He found a list of 21 verses in the Bible that support the idea that angels are sent to minister to us in times of need. Some verses seem to indicate they are sent when needed; a few might be taken to mean they are assigned to us.
That aside, I think the more important aspects of today’s reading are walking with Jesus through His last evening with the disciples. Fred often suggests putting yourself in the story. Today I tried to imagine being one of those at the table—not John or Peter or Judas, but another less conspicuous disciple. I think I would have been confused at His words—knowing the temple leaders were out to get Him, but not understanding His words about the bread and wine, or betrayal, or even being a servant.
Actually, I’m probably kidding myself if I assume I understand fully now…