Knowing The Word in Luke 22:1-2, The Plot to Kill Jesus

Luke has many parallels with the other Synoptic Gospels throughout the crucifixion story, although he has original material as well. Interestingly, he shares information with John that emphasizes the innocence of Jesus that does not appear in Matthew and Mark. It also seems likely that Luke and John must have met one another or had a common source for this information.

This section begins with the Feast of Passover. Technically, Numbers 28:16 states that the Passover is the 14th day of the first month and on the 15th day is a feast, namely the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The four gospels all agree that the crucifixion happened on a Friday, but the Synoptics have the Passover on Thursday while John has the Passover on Friday while the lambs are being slaughtered in the temple at the same time Jesus is dying on the cross. This is one of the most difficult parts of the New Testament to interpret. It is interesting that none of the Synoptics mentions a lamb as part of the Last Supper as it was the central part of the meal. The chief priests and scribes take the initiative in killing Jesus, not the Roman authorities. Yet, they fear the reaction by the people and discuss what can be done.

Consider why is it important that they are behind Jesus’ crucifixion and not the Romans? Hint: the priests are in charge of sacrificial offerings.

Luke 22:1-2

1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.

Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who from the bosom of the Father didst descend from the heavens to the earth, and on the wood of the cross didst suffer five wounds, and shed thy precious blood for the remission of our sins: we meekly beseech thee that, in the day of judgment, we may be set on thy right hand, and hear thy joyful sentence, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, enjoy ye the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’; where with the Father and the Holy Ghost thou livest and reignest, God, for ever and ever.

John Hilsey, Prymer, 1539