Reflections: Mark 14:32-42

In all things, Christ is our example of how to live.  Even in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is our teacher as he demonstrates his humanity.  He comes to His Abba Father with great honesty.  He expresses his wants, his sorrow, his distress.  His is willing, however, to move ahead walking in partnership with God, confident in God.  Jesus demonstrates his deep trust in God and desire to be obedient and aligned with God. 

Mark 14:32-42
They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba", Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

What did you notice from the reading that stood out just for you?
• What is God inviting within you?
• Is there anything that God is inviting you to surrender, even though you might rather hold onto it?
• Are you aware of times when you have been asked to “watch and pray?”

1 comment (Add your own)

1. wrote:
Watch and pray...wait and listen...these are words I have sat with often over the last few years on a journey that is full of mystery, unknowns and often with answers beyond my reach. Most often, these words bring comfort knowing I am doing all I can, showing up, remaining present, and persevering. Occasionally however, these words release a cry from deep within. How long must I wait? How long must I watch and pray without seeing or hearing? And while I know that it is quite bold to question the Maker of the universe, it is also quite honest, real, and I know He can take it.

Tue, April 6, 2010 @ 7:21 AM

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