Study 40
A long night
Read Mark 14v27-42
Jesus makes it clear that although His death is about to occur, and whereas all around Him will run away, He is in control of the situation. He also knows that He will be victorious.
Peter is adamant that he has the power to stand when others fall. He even insists that Jesus has got it wrong (verse 31)! But Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves.
Prayer in the garden
Jesus then withdraws to pray and meditate on the events about to occur.
The full horror of the cross is clear to Him. He knew that He would be made sin and become a curse for men (2 Corinthians 5:21 and Galatians 3: 13). He knew that although we deserve to be forsaken by God, He was going to be forsaken in our place (Mark 15:34).
It is little wonder that he cries, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" and in verse 34 asks for the cup of sorrow to be taken from Him.
Jesus' humility and beauty is seen here. Although He continued to be God He entered into the sorrow of living in this world. He could do no more for us than take our punishment and feel the full terror and sadness of our sin when He had done nothing sinful Himself.
I am proud of this sadness. He did not become like a human being, He actually became one. He had to take the full weight of human sin and sadness in order to conquer human sin and sadness. He did not shut out any of the pain, or take any drug, but experienced deep deep sorrow.
Asleep in the garden
How sad that those he came to save are unable to stay awake and to pray for Him. The Holy Spirit is willing to help but they are weak. Peter said that he would die for Him but he cannot even stay awake to pray for Him.
Even as others fail Him, Jesus rises and walks towards His destiny of saving men.
Time to think
- Do you fail Jesus in your praying?
- How much can you see of Jesus’ love in His prayer?
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