Mark 14:26-52

“They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, ‘Sit here while I go and pray.’ 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. 34 He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’

35 He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36 “Abba, Father,”^[h] he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’

37 Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 38 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.’

39 Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before. 40 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t know what to say.

41 When he returned to them the third time, he said, ‘Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!’” v.32-41

I can’t imagine how Jesus felt knowing that he was soon going to be betrayed and taken away to be beat, spat upon, mocked, rejected by those he loved and poured his life into, and ultimately crucified.  As He prayed, He prayed that there could be another way, but regardless, He wanted the Fathers will to be done, not His.  As His disciples slept Jesus prayed.  They didn’t quite get the urgency of the moment, or have the strength the stay awake.  I am sure this added to the hurt that Jesus was feeling knowing what was about to happen.  I thought these notes today were good and really spoke to my heart:

You may not face execution for your faith, but you will probably face many problems that wear you down.  You deal with irritating people whom you must love and serve; you face the burden of unfinished tasks or lack of obvious results; you cope with helpers who let you down of fail to comprehend.  Remember that in times of great stress, you are vulnerable to temptation, even if you have a willing spirit.  Jesus explained how to resist this from happening:

1. Keep Watch – stay awake and be morally vigilant
2. Pray to God – this is how to maintain your vigilance
3. Seek support of friends and loved ones – this is how you build up your resistance and help others; when one is weak, others are strong.
4. Focus on the purpose God has given you – This is how you do Gods will not your own.

Father help me to listen to the Spirit, when my body is weak!