Day Five Mark 14:32-42
32 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,” 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!” – Mark 14:32-42 (NLT)
Discover
1. What words are used to describe how Jesus is feeling in the garden (verses 32-34)?
2. What does Jesus do in response to the intense emotions He's feeling?
3. What does Jesus teach in this passage (verse 38)?
Respond
Jesus falls to the ground under the weight of His emotions and prays. His response to suffering sets an example for others who face trials. His first reaction in the midst of agony is to ask others to pray while He cries out to His Father Himself. His prayer is simple. He acknowledges the power of God and asks for His suffering to end. However, He ends by submitting to the will of God. What do you do when you're suffering? What do you ask God for? Do you submit to His will even if it’s hard? Spend some time praying to God about your answers and follow the example of Jesus.
For Further Reading: Praying as Jesus Prayed
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