Throughout this gospel, Luke has impressed upon His readers that what He and others witnessed could only be attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit. Zechariah prophesied in the Holy Spirit, and his son, John, was “filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” The Holy Spirit came upon Mary, and the “power of the Most High overshadowed” her. The Spirit promised Simeon that he would see the Lord’s Christ, and descended on Jesus at His baptism.

Furthermore, Luke is convinced that Jesus was in communion with God’s power and Spirit, reflecting at various times that, Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit, moved about in the power of the Spirit, and rejoiced in the Holy Spirit. Luke saw that the power of God was on Him to heal and that power went out of Him when He did. And as for Jesus’ perspective? After reading in the synagogue Isaiah’s words that “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me,” Jesus announces: “Today this Scripture is fulfilled…”

In chapter 21, Jesus’ conversation is intense and private. Prophecy and warning and encouragement are mingled together as Jesus brings His teachings about the Kingdom of God to a climax. Chapter 22 is devoted to Jesus’ final night: the Passover feast, betrayal, and arrest of Jesus. Few things are singular: Satan enters Judas; an angel ministers to Jesus. Otherwise, there is the same confusion and tension that has been building in this gospel for some time.

Though much is happening, pay attention to Jesus’ words and activity as He nears the end. This is what He wants others to see and hear and remember of Him: what He teaches about, and what He prays for. He knows that Scripture must be fulfilled in Him, yet asks earnestly that the Father might remove this cup from Him. And listen carefully as He makes a promise to grant His power to His disciples: when it is their opportunity to bear witness, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

Our verse for this week is Romans 8:38-39: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Luke 21 and 22. Now let’s read it!

Day 171 Guided Podcast