Week of March 25: In the Garden of Gethsemane
At this point in our study, a time of great rejection has begun. Jesus’ disciples reject Him. The religious leaders reject Him. The people reject Him. And, He experiences the punishment for the sins of the world on the cross.
In Gethsemane, Jesus’ prays with agony as the disciples doze off from exhaustion. They have probably experienced a gamut of emotions over the last several hours including confusion, fear, and sorrow. Jesus had told them to watch. Matthew records it as “watch with Me”. Then He says, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Be alert. Discern when we are under spiritual attack.
There is much application for us through this statement. We must be alert, and when we discern temptation at hand we should pray. Jesus said, “watch with Me.” Jesus is always with us and always interceding on our behalf. He is always with us. While we watch and pray, He watches and prays for us and with us.
Consider the statement: The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. How were the disciples experiencing this fact? How was Jesus experiencing this fact, or was He? Do you see this exhibited in your own life? In what way? What can you do about it? What is the answer? (Remember, to comment just click on the word ‘comments’ below.)
I can just imagine amidst the praying, sobbing, snoring, and nature’s sounds, the dreaded noises came carried by the wind – the footsteps of a multitude, determined and angry voices, and clanging of weapons. Perhaps as the disciples listened to the multitude draw ever closer, they began to see the glow of the lanterns and torches. They came to get Jesus as if he were a robber (Mark 14:48). Interestingly, the same word used regarding Barabbas and the two robbers crucified with Jesus.
Then, the words that perhaps tie this whole thing together, “But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” He had just told them many things so that they would believe (John 14:29). So, God is still in control. He is sovereign, even in the Garden of Gethsemane. Just because the disciples may have been surprised, nothing has caught Him by surprise.
Mark 14:50, “Then they all forsook Him and fled.”
The final chapter in Jesus’ earthly life has begun. His road to Calvary is coming near. The Scriptures must be fulfilled in order for us to receive grace, salvation, adoption as sons, eternal life, and relationship with God. Jesus knew the outcome. He knew the purpose. He knew that for that purpose to be fulfilled, Scripture must be fulfilled. Do not forsake Him. Do not flee from Him. He lived this life laid out before Him to receive you now in love and grace and forgiveness.
