Overview

This verse takes place during the Last Supper, when Jesus expresses a profound longing to share in the Passover meal with His disciples. His anticipation underscores the significance of this moment just before His impending suffering and crucifixion.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the earnestness of Christ’s desire to partake in the Passover with His disciples. This emotion reflects both His love for them and the gravity of the moment, acting as a precursor to His establishment of the New Covenant. Henry points out that Jesus does not just share a meal, but prepares to institute a rite that will hold significant spiritual meaning for believers.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes highlights the cultural significance of the Passover in Jewish tradition, suggesting that for Jesus, this meal represents a culmination of His earthly ministry. The phrase "With desire I have desired" indicates not only His longing but also denotes the importance of fellowship among believers, which began with His disciples and continues to this day.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke provides an in-depth analysis of the word "suffer", connecting it to the prophetic verses found in Isaiah regarding the suffering Messiah. He sheds light on Jesus’ determination to fulfill His mission, juxtaposing His impending suffering with an intimate communal moment, thereby linking the Old Testament Passover with the New Testament communion.

Bible Cross References

• Exodus 12:1-14: The original Passover in Egypt, which serves as the basis for the observance.
• Matthew 26:26-29: The account of the Last Supper similar to Luke's narrative, where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper.
• Mark 14:22-25: Mark's description of the Last Supper, affirming the communal aspect of the meal.
• Luke 22:14-16: The verses surrounding Luke 22:15 that elaborate on Jesus' intentions and the significance of the meal.
• John 13:1: The focus on Jesus loving His disciples to the end, encompassing the relationship He shares during the Last Supper.
• Isaiah 53:5: A prophetic reference foreshadowing Jesus’ sufferings for mankind's transgressions.
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul’s recounting of the Last Supper, highlighting the importance of the Lord's Supper in the Christian faith.

Thematic Connections

The themes in Luke 22:15 resonate through various Scriptural texts that emphasize God's redemptive plan, emphasizing the sacrificial love of Christ as seen in:

• Redemption: The parallel to Exodus and the Israelites' deliverance through the Passover lamb.
• Community: Jesus’ desire for fellowship echoes throughout the New Testament, as believers are called to share in communion.
• Suffering: The anticipation of suffering leads to deeper reflections in the teachings of the apostles about the significance of Christ's sacrifice.

Application and Reflection

Reflecting on Luke 22:15 allows believers to consider the depth of Jesus' love and the importance of shared meals in communion. As they partake in the Lord’s Supper, they participate in a tradition that goes back to the Passover, connecting both their faith and heritage, reminding them of the sacrifice that centralizes their beliefs.

Importance of Cross-Referencing

Engaging with cross-references around Luke 22:15 enriches understanding of the interconnections within the Bible. Using tools for Bible cross-referencing, such as concordances or a Bible cross-reference guide, allows for:

• Identifying connections between Old and New Testament narratives.
• Conducting a detailed cross-reference study between the four Gospels.
• Unearthing links between the prophetic messages and their New Testament fulfillments.

Concluding Thoughts

In examining Luke 22:15, one observes the rich tapestry of biblical connections and the themes of sacrifice, fellowship, and hope. Understanding these layers encourages believers to deepen their relationship with Christ and appreciate the profound significance of their faith journey.