Mark 14:32-42
Verse 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
On that first Passover night in Egypt the people had to be ready. They were to be on watch so when the time came to go, they were ready. Eating fully clothed, with their shoes on and even with their walking stick in hand was a way they could be constantly aware this wasn’t a normal night. They needed to be alert, a lesson Jesus wanted His disciples to learn as well.
Following the Passover meal in the upper room in Jerusalem, Jesus walked through the city with His disciples and out through the east gate for a visit to one of their favorite hangouts, the olive grove of Gethsemane. This was a place they would often go during visits to the region making it a place Judas would know. This place would have held lots of memories and was a quiet enough place to have some alone time which is just what Jesus needed on that night.
The twelve of them walked together up the hill as they always had until Jesus stopped them telling all but Peter, James and John to stay there and wait. He continued on with His three closest friends a little bit further and then told them to stay and pray while He went on further alone. The time was closing in and He could feel His humanity fighting against His God nature. He knew what was coming had to be done and that He was the only one who could do it.
After a long time of pouring His heart out to the Father, Jesus came back to the three disciples close by and had to wake Peter up. He knew Peter needed this time of prayer because of what was coming. Peter was showing just how weak his flesh was, how would he ever be able to stand for Jesus if he couldn’t even stay awake and pray when Jesus told him to?
Jesus went through this cycle of going to pray and coming back to wake His friends a couple more times. His prayers were filled with such anguish it was as if He was sweating blood and yet it wasn’t enough to keep Peter and maybe the others awake just a little bit away. Though they were still with Him physically, it was as if they had already deserted Him. It was a foreshadowing of what the next few hours would be for Him.
Making It Personal
What did Jesus say you should be alert for? Are you eagerly awaiting His return? Are you carrying on His mission of sharing the Gospel?
Making It Personal Kids
How easy is it to get bored when you are waiting for something? What are some things you should be ready for? Are you ready to share Jesus with others?
Closing Prayer
Father, we know we fail at being as alert as we need to be about You and what You are doing. Please give us a growing desire to be alert to what is important to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.