When I look at the story of the last week of Christ, I am reminded of many things: Palm Sunday, The Last Supper, Praying in the Garden, The Arrest, The Trial, The Persecution, The Crucifixion, The Resurrection. Today I want to think about Jesus and his prayer in the Garden. You may remember that He took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane and told them ‘stay here while I pray.’
Many times when I read this passage, I look at the Disciples and their inability to stay awake. Today I want to think about the words that Jesus prayed. Matthew 26:39 reads; “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
I believe that Jesus knew that His fate was already planned. Judas would betray Him. Peter would deny Him three times. He would suffer a violent death. However I don’t think He was saying “let this cup be taken from me” because of the pain He was about to go through, but He knew the pain His death would cause to those He loved the most.
The latter part of the scripture, “Yet not as I will, but as you will,” reminds me of the prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray. “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.” Even though He knew the turmoil that was to come, He prayed just like He taught us to pray.
There are times in our lives where we can see the trouble coming, and others that we cannot. May we follow Christ’s example to pray for God’s will to be accomplished on this earth – everyday.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Brent Manning, Director of Communications
