Prayer in the Garden

Gethsemane means “oil press,” and the name is a fitting reminder of the pressure and agony Jesus experienced in the garden as He prayed in anticipation of the suffering He would face on behalf of sinners. Jesus would soon be betrayed by Judas, arrested, and crucified. The CSB translation of Scripture indicates that Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus knew that this was the cup the Father had given Him to drink, and He had humbled Himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).

Compare Jesus’ actions during this hour of trial and agony to the actions of His disciples. Jesus prayed, but they slept, even after He told them to stay awake, or keep watch. Jesus told them to pray, so they would not enter into temptation. Following this warning, Peter would later deny Jesus three times. In 1 Peter 5, Peter eventually writes to Christians undergoing persecution for their faith, telling them to humble themselves and to be alert or keep watch. He knew first-hand, the danger of the devil and of being spiritually sluggish and unaware. Today, we hear the same warning from both passages of scripture – keep watch. As we keep watch, we want to also follow Jesus’ example in everything we do, and that is complete submission to the will of God.

Father, thank You for giving Your only begotten Son to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, that we may have an eternal life. Please help me to consider the depth of the price Jesus paid for me. I humble myself before You, saying, 'Not my will, but Your will be done.' Guard me against temptation and sin, as I trust in Your plan for my life. May You be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.