Grief in Gethsemane

Scripture Reading: Mark 14:32-51


32And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he said to his disciples, Sit you here, while I shall pray. 33And he takes with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34And said to them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful to death: tarry you here, and watch. 35And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what you will. 37And he comes, and finds them sleeping, and said to Peter, Simon, sleep you? could not you watch one hour? 38Watch you and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 39And again he went away, and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither knew they what to answer him. 41And he comes the third time, and said to them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Rise up, let us go; see, he that betrays me is at hand.
43And immediately, while he yet spoke, comes Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45And as soon as he was come, he goes straightway to him, and said, Master, master; and kissed him. 46And they laid their hands on him, and took him. 47And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 48And Jesus answered and said to them, Are you come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? 49I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. 50And they all forsook him, and fled.
51And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: 52And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

Key Verse: Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will (Mark 14:36b).

Meditation: The three disciples had failed to hear the pain and plea in  Jesus’ voice when he said, My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch. Like children dependent on their father to take care of them, they slept while Jesus worked in prayer. But a few hours later they would face a huge test of their courage.(understanding)

When Judas appeared with the armed crowds Peter reacted in human abruptness with a sword to cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Maichus. Jesus rebuked Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:10,11).

Jesus purposed to fulfill His assignment to be the complete sacrifice for the human race. He was tempted and even requested God to reconsider: Take this cup from me (Mark 14:36). He illustrates the human side of His nature. Both Peter and Mark (14:51,72) deserted Jesus in their fear Jesus knows how much we need to pray and commune with God. 0nly in deliberate, disciplined prayer can we find the strength and courage for the challenges of each day.
 
Thought for the Day: Only in communion with God will we protection from temptation.