Luke 22:15

Luke 22:15

Luke 22:15 records Jesus’s statement that He has eagerly desired to eat this Passover with the disciples before He suffers. This reveals the depth of Jesus’s humanity and affection for His closest followers. The verb “desire” expresses a longing—Jesus longs for intimate fellowship, for shared memory, and for a moment of spiritual preparation with them prior to the cross. It underscores the relational dimension of salvation: God’s plan unfolds within a community, not in isolation. The Passover meal becomes more than a ritual; it is a moment of preparation for the crucifixion, a time to strengthen the disciples’ faith and resolve.

Theologically, this verse anticipates the cross and highlights the voluntary nature of Jesus’s suffering—an act of self-giving that is rooted in love and covenant faithfulness. It also reinforces the concept of anticipation in the kingdom of God: the disciples are invited to share in a foretaste of the coming glory, even as Jesus lies ahead of suffering. The intimate desire emphasizes God’s longing to be with His people and to provide for their salvation through intimate, communal practice.

Practically, reflect on the times you feel the “desire” of Jesus to be close to you. How can you cultivate a deeper appetite for spiritual fellowship and the presence of Christ? Create moments in your routine for meaningful connection with friends, family, or church, especially around shared meals or prayer. Consider how you prepare for difficult seasons—this verse teaches that preparation is relational and communal, not solitary. Invite someone into your space for honest conversation, study, or prayer, and approach these times with expectation and vulnerability. The aim is to grow in closeness to Christ and others as you anticipate God’s redemptive work.

Cross-References: John 13:1; John 17:24; Hebrews 10:24-25; Philippians 2:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:8