Prepare – Mark 14:12-52 (Thursday)
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? Couldn’t you 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!”
Devotional
After a day of rest, Thursday ushered in the realness of what lay ahead. Jesus was confronted with the fulfillment of His mission. The reality is that He came to die. Verse 34 reveals to us the incredible burden Jesus carried. Followed by the agonizing prayer pleading with the Father to take that burden from Him, yet submitting to the Father’s will over His own. Jesus knew what must happen and yet in His flesh He wasn’t looking forward to the indescribable agony and pain. He was not concerned with His own desires as much as He was willing to be obedient to God’s eternal plan!
Take time today and put yourself in the garden overhearing Jesus’ prayer. What does it do inside of you? What questions does it raise? What does it tell you about Jesus?
~ Pastor Andy Veith
Praise
Watch and listen to “How He Loves” by John Mark McMillan and “Great Are You Lord” by All Sons & Daughters.
