The Divine Plan in Luke's Passion Narrative

04-13-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Albert

Luke's Gospel is the only one to report the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Jesus' response shows that this event, and those yet to come, are part of a divine plan. We hear this echoed again in Luke's description of the Last Supper when Jesus speaks of Judas's betrayal, saying that the Son of Man "goes as has been determined." Throughout Luke's Gospel, we see that Jesus' words and actions proclaim the Kingdom of God. This theme continues throughout the Passion narrative. Jesus appears to be in total command of events at the Passover meal as he hands over the kingdom to his disciples. He welcomes them to the Passover meal, announcing that this will be his last until the Kingdom of God is fulfilled.

Jesus initiates a conversation with Simon and predicts his denial. Jesus then instructs his disciples to prepare themselves for the events that will follow. His words reveal an awareness of the challenges that all of them will face in the days ahead. As the disciples and Jesus enter the Mount of Olives, Jesus highlights the importance of the disciples' time in prayer, telling them that through prayer they will be able to face the challenges ahead. As Jesus prays, He is tested. In the garden, the angel is sent to strengthen Him and to prepare Him for the events ahead. After this moment, Jesus is again in charge of the events and circumstances.

In Luke's Gospel, Jesus is portrayed as active and vocal throughout His Passion. When one of the disciples strikes the high priest's servant, Jesus heals the man. Jesus stops the disciple's protest against His arrest by noting that this is the "time for the power of darkness." Jesus engages and responds when brought before the Sanhedrin; His words speak about the "power of God" that will bring about the reign of the Son of Man. When questioned by Pilate, Jesus responds with just one phrase; yet before Herod, Jesus refuses to speak.

Throughout Holy Week, we will continue to reflect on the events of Jesus' Passion and death. As we meditate on the cross, we ask again and again what it means to make the statement of faith that Jesus, in His obedient suffering and dying, revealed Himself to us as God's Son and brought to fulfillment the Kingdom of God.