Definition: And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Luke 22:15. It’s a really significant moment in Jesus’ ministry and speaks about his intentions regarding the Passover meal. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Jesus was preparing to share a Passover meal with his disciples. He wanted to do this before he was arrested and ultimately crucified. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And he said unto them…” : This is Jesus speaking directly to his followers, the people who were accompanying him. “…With desire I have desired…” : This is the key part. “Desire” here means a strong longing or anticipation. Jesus wasn't just thinking about having the meal; he wanted it to happen. It was a deep personal wish for this particular experience. “…to eat this passover with you…” : This refers to the Passover feast, a very important Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus wanted to share this meal with his disciples. “before I suffer:” This is the crucial part that makes it so significant. "Suffer" means to experience pain, difficulty, or hardship. Jesus was anticipating a painful experience – being arrested and ultimately dying. He wanted to have this meal before he would be facing those hardships. What does it mean in context? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of Jesus' impending sacrifice. It’s a powerful expression of his love for humanity, his willingness to take the pain upon himself to atone for our sins and offer forgiveness. It speaks to his immense suffering and desire for reconciliation with God and humanity. In short: This verse shows Jesus’ deep care and anticipation for his disciples, and it foreshadows his ultimate sacrifice as a way to redeem us. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the historical context of Passover? Explain what "suffering" means in this verse? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible?