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Book of Luke - Chapter 22 - Verse 45

22:45
And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

Meaning

This verse from the Bible, found in the book of Luke, depicts a poignant moment in the life of Jesus Christ. Here, Jesus is shown returning to his disciples after praying fervently, only to find them sleeping out of sorrow. This moment is significant as it highlights the human side of Jesus, showcasing his vulnerability and the weight of the task that lay ahead of him. It also serves as a reminder of the disciples' own struggles and weaknesses, despite their dedication to following Jesus. The verse reflects the universal experience of feeling overwhelmed by sorrow and the need for rest and comfort in times of distress. Through this passage, readers are encouraged to find solace in the knowledge that even Jesus, the Son of God, faced moments of sorrow and sought solace in prayer.

Theological Overview

Many scholars have interpreted the verse "And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow," as revealing the emotional state of Jesus' disciples during the events leading up to his crucifixion. The disciples were not only physically weary from the events of the day, but also overcome with grief and sorrow at the thought of losing their beloved teacher. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Jesus himself had been praying fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane just before finding his disciples asleep. The word "sorrow" in this context has been studied and is often translated from the Greek word "ὀδύνη" (odunē), which signifies a deep emotional pain or distress. This suggests that the disciples were not simply tired, but were experiencing a profound sense of sadness and anxiety. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the human emotions and weaknesses that Jesus' closest followers experienced, despite their deep love and devotion to him.

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