Bible Study with Danelle

Jesus has now come down from the Mount of Olives and at the foot is the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him into the garden while he prays. We wanted them to pray and keep watch.

Here we see Jesus’ humanity coming through. He is described as sorrowful, greatly distressed, and troubled. Jesus falls to the ground in prayer. He asks God that “the hour might pass from him”. And yet says ” Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

I ask myself why was Jesus so distressed? While it is obvious to assume that it is because of the torture and death that is coming in the next few hours, I also wonder if he is distressed because he was concerned the disciples are not yet spiritually strong enough to spread His message and continue on the path of growing His church. We see Jesus’ frustration with Peter, James, and John when they keep falling asleep when He asked them to stay awake and pray. Whatever the reason was He went directly to prayer asking God for help and guidance.

There are three lessons I found in this short 10-verse passage that impacted me.

1. When I am distressed, troubled, or grieved, the first and best thing I can do is go to God in prayer. And not just close my eyes and pray for a minute prayer. This is fall on your knees prayer. This is find a secluded, quiet spot to just come before God with everything type of praying. Jesus’ whole life is an example for us to follow. This time of distress for Him is no different. He shows us exactly what to do.
2. I have to be willing to submit to God’s will for my life. No matter the consequences or hardships that may come.
3. I cannot fall asleep and be weak spiritually. The enemy is always trying to temp me when I am at my weakest. It is so important to be awake and spiritually strong. My flesh is weak. I have to overcome that weakness by strengthening my spirit.

I pray today that you will find lessons to learn in this short passage for you to grow in your walk with Jesus.