Jesus at Gethsemane
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to His Word and Spirit.
Read Mark 14:32-36, 43-46
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[a] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him.
Reflect
Alone with his disciples, Jesus tries again to prepare them for the days ahead when He will be betrayed, arrested and crucified – and they will scatter. The disciples cannot believe such a thing will happen or that they could desert the one whom they love and follow. In Jesus’ prayer we see both his agony and utter trust in the will of the Father. The disciples are so weary that they cannot keep from falling asleep, and they are taken aback by the sudden appearance of Judas and the crowd. But Jesus was fully prepared. With a kiss and greeting, the betrayal was complete.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, help us in times of trial to trust in you. Our lives are in your hands. Amen.