Matthew 26:36-41
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
For the next series of meditations, we will walk with Jesus to the cross. Today we begin the journey in an olive grove called Gethsemane. Read Matthew 26:36-41 noting anything that stands out to you.
Here in the olive grove we see Jesus in his full humanity. He who laid aside his right to be God when he came to earth in the body of a helpless baby grew to discover his true identity through an unbroken relationship with God the Father. Jesus knows that he is the Messiah, and he knows the Scriptures and is completely clear about what is going to happen. But he is not fearful. He is, instead, overwhelmed with grief.
What would it mean for Peter, James and John to “watch” with Jesus? They cannot fully understand what he is going through – they are still struggling to understand all he has told them. But he invites them, imperfect and misguided as they are, to be near him.
There are times when we experience Jesus as an intimate friend and there are times when he seems unfamiliar. It is in the unfamiliar times that we need to redouble our efforts to stay close to him, because it is in those times that he may lead us into a whole new realm of relationship.
Stop to imagine the confusion and uncertainty of Peter, James, and John, and then try to think back to times in your own life when Jesus seemed distant or unfamiliar. Talk openly with Jesus about this.
Read Matthew 26:36-41 again.
As Jesus struggles alone with his own human will and the will of God the Father, Peter, James, and John become so overwhelmed that all three give up and fall asleep. But Jesus extends grace to them in their weakness.
We are all waiting for Jesus in one way or another, and we will be until he returns and sets all things right. Take a moment to identify an area of your life, a situation in the world, or a particular circumstance in which you are waiting for Jesus. Then meditate on his words in the olive grove:
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
Stay with this until you have an idea of what Jesus wants you to hear today.
What is Jesus saying to you?
What do you plan to do about it?
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