Dark Gethsemane
Reading: Matthew 26:36-46
“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.”
After the time of celebration together in the upper room, Jesus led his disciples out to the Mount of Olives. This is a familiar pattern for all of life. High moments are often followed by despair and temptation.
Jesus prayed and agonized about his coming death. He knew that death would temporarily separate him from his Father. Death is always an ending. Only our knowledge from this side of Easter teaches us that death also leads to a new beginning.
The death which Jesus suffered was a cruel one. The hatred of his enemies had brought him to the lowest point of his earthly life. Jesus did not die because he was a good man. He died for our sins. That burden of evil added to his sense of separation from God.
Yet Jesus did not shrink from doing God’s will. Jesus’ willingness to go to the cross came from his constant prayer. The cup was not, and could not be, removed. But the courage and strength to obey were provided. This is why Jesus can be an example for us. He suffered spiritually and physically. He was tempted to take an easier way. He was obedient to God’s will.
For Reflection: What does God expect of me that I would rather not do?
Prayer Seed:
Go to dark Gethsemane,
All who feel the tempter’s power;
Your redeemer’s conflict see,
Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away,
Learn from Jesus Christ to pray.
James Montgomery, 1820
