We are in our fifth week of a six week series on Prayers of the Bible. We will be looking at a prayer of Jesus. This prayer can be found in Matthew 26:36-46
Matthew 26:36-46 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be grieved and agitated. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” 39 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, yet not what I want but what you want.” 40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Now the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us be going. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”
What stands out to you in this passage?
Jesus shows his humanness in the emotion we see in this passage. I wonder how often the disciples saw Jesus deeply distressed.
Even though Jesus was deeply distressed, the disciples couldn’t stay awake.
Can you relate to the disciples’ sleepiness or are frustrated reading about the disciple’s inability to stay awake?
During this prayer we get an honest look at Jesus asking for a way out of the God’s current plan but is willing to continue with the plan if absolutely necessary.
Once again Jesus is the model of surrender, asking questions, and praying when life is difficult.
Let’s talk about it on Sunday.
~ Pastor Dustin
