This verse, Luke 22:37, is spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, very shortly before his arrest and crucifixion. It's a crucial verse packed with meaning and foreshadowing. Let's break it down:
"For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me:" Jesus is emphasizing that his impending suffering and death are not random events but the deliberate fulfillment of prophecy. He's indicating that the events about to unfold are preordained and part of God's plan.
"‘He was counted with transgressors.’ Isaiah 53:12": This is a direct quote from Isaiah 53:12, a well-known Messianic prophecy in the Old Testament. The entire chapter of Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant, who is believed to be a prophecy of Jesus. The phrase "counted with transgressors" means that he would be numbered among criminals and treated as one, despite his innocence. This refers to Jesus' crucifixion between two thieves, and the false accusations that led to his execution.
"For that which concerns me has an end.": This part is more complex. The word "end" can be translated in a few ways. It can mean:
Fulfillment/Completion: This is the most common interpretation. It means that the prophecies concerning Jesus, specifically his suffering and death, are coming to their intended conclusion or fulfillment. He is saying that his earthly ministry, as predicted, is coming to a close.
Termination/Resolution: It can also imply the end of a period of suffering. While his suffering is imminent, he knows it will have a defined ending with his resurrection and ascension. It suggests the completion of the specific plan the Father has laid out.
Goal/Purpose: In the light of the previous two points it also suggests his death will accomplish the goal, the purpose, of saving humanity.
In summary, Jesus is saying:
"I am telling you that a prophecy written long ago about the Messiah, that he would be considered a criminal, must be fulfilled in me. I will indeed be treated as a criminal and crucified. Everything that is written about my suffering and death is about to come to its intended completion, ending a time of suffering and accomplishing my salvation mission."
Why this is important:
Jesus' Awareness and Acceptance: It demonstrates Jesus' awareness of his destiny and his willingness to embrace the suffering that lies ahead. He's not a victim caught unawares but a deliberate participant in God's plan.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: It reinforces the idea that Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. His life, death, and resurrection are not random but the fulfillment of God's promises.
Hope in Suffering: It offers a message of hope. Even in the face of unimaginable suffering, Jesus knows that his ordeal has a purpose and a defined end, ultimately leading to victory. This can be a source of comfort for believers facing their own trials.
Atonement: He is essentially saying that his death will serve as atonement for humanity's sins.
This verse, Luke 22:37, is spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, very shortly before his arrest and crucifixion. It's a crucial verse packed with meaning and foreshadowing. Let's break it down:
"For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me:" Jesus is emphasizing that his impending suffering and death are not random events but the deliberate fulfillment of prophecy. He's indicating that the events about to unfold are preordained and part of God's plan.
"‘He was counted with transgressors.’ Isaiah 53:12": This is a direct quote from Isaiah 53:12, a well-known Messianic prophecy in the Old Testament. The entire chapter of Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant, who is believed to be a prophecy of Jesus. The phrase "counted with transgressors" means that he would be numbered among criminals and treated as one, despite his innocence. This refers to Jesus' crucifixion between two thieves, and the false accusations that led to his execution.
"For that which concerns me has an end.": This part is more complex. The word "end" can be translated in a few ways. It can mean:
Fulfillment/Completion: This is the most common interpretation. It means that the prophecies concerning Jesus, specifically his suffering and death, are coming to their intended conclusion or fulfillment. He is saying that his earthly ministry, as predicted, is coming to a close.
Termination/Resolution: It can also imply the end of a period of suffering. While his suffering is imminent, he knows it will have a defined ending with his resurrection and ascension. It suggests the completion of the specific plan the Father has laid out.
Goal/Purpose: In the light of the previous two points it also suggests his death will accomplish the goal, the purpose, of saving humanity.
In summary, Jesus is saying:
"I am telling you that a prophecy written long ago about the Messiah, that he would be considered a criminal, must be fulfilled in me. I will indeed be treated as a criminal and crucified. Everything that is written about my suffering and death is about to come to its intended completion, ending a time of suffering and accomplishing my salvation mission."
Why this is important:
Jesus' Awareness and Acceptance: It demonstrates Jesus' awareness of his destiny and his willingness to embrace the suffering that lies ahead. He's not a victim caught unawares but a deliberate participant in God's plan.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: It reinforces the idea that Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. His life, death, and resurrection are not random but the fulfillment of God's promises.
Hope in Suffering: It offers a message of hope. Even in the face of unimaginable suffering, Jesus knows that his ordeal has a purpose and a defined end, ultimately leading to victory. This can be a source of comfort for believers facing their own trials.
Atonement: He is essentially saying that his death will serve as atonement for humanity's sins.