Yoda was setting Luke up to GET MURDERED!

Also possible - we don't know what the prophesy of the one who would bring balance to the Force really said. But, if it made any reference to a son or other loved one being involved in the fulfillment of destiny's will, wouldn't the Jedi have encouraged Anakin's relationship with Padme?

 

If Yoda knew about the eventual destruction of the Death Star 2 by Wedge, Lando and the gang and Luke's narrow escape, then he might have been sending that uppity Luke punk to a potential death.

 

- "Also possible - we don't know what the prophesy of the one who would bring balance to the Force really said. But, if it made any reference to a son or other loved one being involved in the fulfillment of destiny's will, wouldn't the Jedi have encouraged Anakin's relationship with Padme?" -

I was under the impression that destiny was inevitable anyway. It wouldn't matter what actions the Jedi condoned in reference to the prophecy... what was willed to happen, would happen.

 

Maybe Yoda wasn't thinking about the details of exact Force powers possessed by the Sith. Maybe, had he considered it, he would have expected Luke to block the lightning and/or cut down Palpatine.

Also, if Luke failed to defeat Palps and Vader in battle, that wouldn't mean he would have to turn to the Dark Side. He could hold out and die a noble Jedi.

It doesn't have to be this complicated, people.

 

Or maybe there just is no 100% logical explanation?

 

Well, taking on Darth Vader and Darth Sidous alone is pretty much a suicide mission. At that time, Yoda is about to die and not able to teach anything more. So, I think he just wants Luke to give it a shot.