27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.’[d]
28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”
30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice[e] you yourself will disown me three times.”
31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[f] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
37 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? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
41 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. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Question 1
Who do you rely on when facing difficult times?
Question 2
What does Jesus’ prayer show us about what he was facing?
The Bible is full of warnings about being overconfident in our own strength and ability. Those people who are sure of themselves often learn that they aren’t that special after all.
As the hour approaches, Jesus tries to warn his disciples for the last time what is about to happen. He’s going to be caught and killed, and like sheep without a shepherd, they’ll run away. But there’s no need to be disheartened because they’ll see him again after he resurrects.
Peter’s response is exactly what you’d expect from him. He says it doesn’t matter what anyone else does, he’s not going to leave Jesus to face this alone, even if he has to die too. But Jesus tells Peter that he is going to deny it, not once or twice, but three times before the morning!
As Jesus realises the seriousness of what was about to happen, he takes three of the disciples out in order to pray. His words begin to give us an idea of how terrifying what he was facing was. Think of what we have seen of Jesus so far – he was never fearful and always ready to do his Father’s will. Yet, when facing the cross, he asks God if there is any other way. But he himself knew that this was the only way, and that it was the reason he came into the world.
What do the three disciples do as Jesus has this terrifying experience? Are they there, supporting and comforting him? Peter must have been there with him? No, they’re all asleep. Three times Jesus comes to them and sees that they have failed to stay awake. He faced this alone. And at last, the hour has come.
Question 3
Have you ever faced a difficult experience on your own?
Question 4
What is the confidence we get in seeing that Jesus is in complete control of everything that happens?
Pray
for strength when facing difficult times, and thank God that he is always with you.
