It is indeed a dark, bitter night. The disciples are sad and confused, and maybe a little bit prideful. Peter can not believe that he could ever betray his Lord. 36 At that, Jesus led His disciples to the place called Gethsemane. Jesus: I am going over there to pray. You sit here while I’m at prayer. 37 Then He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him, and He grew sorrowful and deeply distressed. Jesus: 38 My soul is overwhelmed with grief, to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me. 39 He walked a little farther and finally fell prostrate and prayed. Jesus: Father, this is the last thing I want. If there is any way, please take this bitter cup from Me. Not My will, but Yours be done. 40 When He came back to the disciples, He saw that they were asleep. Peter awoke a little less confident and slightly chagrined. Jesus (to Peter): So you couldn’t keep watch with Me for just one short hour? 41 Now maybe you’re learning: the spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Watch and pray and take care that you are not pulled down during a time of testing. 42 With that, Jesus returned to His secluded spot to pray again. Jesus: Father, if there is no other way for this cup to pass without My drinking it—then not My will, but Yours be done. 43 Again Jesus returned to His disciples and found them asleep. Their eyes were heavy-lidded. 44 So Jesus left them again and returned to prayer, praying the same sentiments with the same words. 45 Again He returned to His disciples. Jesus: Well, you are still sleeping; are you getting a good long rest? Now the time has come; the Son of Man is just about to be given over to the betrayers and the sinners. 46 Get up; we have to be going. Look, here comes the one who’s going to betray Me. |
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