Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
June 5, 2019
Commentary
Jesus knew that before the day ended, He would die, and not just die, but suffer greatly. Though He was God, He chose to feel the full pain. At Gethsemane, an olive grove on the Mount of Olives, He left eight disciples and took Peter, James, and John. There He became deeply troubled and said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death” (vv. 32–34), showing His real human anguish and deep emotional burden within, with heavy sorrow pressing upon His heart in that dark hour alone, facing what was ahead with full awareness. Embracing the suffering with obedient love for all mankind.
He asked them to watch while He went farther to pray. In deep agony, He fell to the ground and prayed “that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him” (v. 35). He knew He would bear sin and be separated from the Father. Yet He surrendered, saying, “Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt” (v. 36), choosing obedience over His own desire with complete trust in God’s perfect will. He humbly yielding Himself in full surrender through faithful, persevering prayer, even when the burden felt overwhelming and heavy upon Him.
When He returned, He found them asleep (v. 37). Peter, who had promised loyalty, could not stay awake. Jesus warned them, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation” (v. 38). He prayed again, but they slept once more. The third time He said, “Are ye still sleeping, and taking your rest?” Then He declared, “Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand” (v. 42), moving forward with courage and steady resolve. Despite the approaching suffering and betrayal, He faithfully accepted the path set before Him with calm strength and readiness, fully committed to complete the Father’s will without turning back.
Application
Do I stay awake in prayer when life is hard, or do I grow careless? When I feel pressure, do I choose my will or God’s will? Jesus surrendered fully—am I willing to do the same? What keeps me from watching and praying? Will I trust and obey Him, even when it is difficult and uncomfortable and remain faithful in every moment?
Mark 14:32–42 (NET)
32 Then 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 with him, and became very troubled and distressed. 34 He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to the point of death. Remain here and stay alert.” 35 Going a little farther, he threw himself to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour would pass from him. 36 He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 Then he came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake for one hour? 38 Stay awake and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 He went away again and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came again he found them sleeping; they could not keep their eyes open. And they did not know what to tell him. 41 He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough of that! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us go. Look! My betrayer is approaching!”
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