The arrest of Jesus took place in the olive garden of the Kidron valley of Gethsemane. Imagine yourself kneeling there, hiding behind a bush – listening to the conversations that Jesus was having with the disciples before being betrayed, arrested and crucified.
You notice that Jesus left the disciples in order to pray. Jesus said to His disciples “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Jesus was in the perfect plan and will that God had for His life. He then whispered “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”
Jesus then went beyond them and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me, yet not as I will, but as You will.” Jesus went away a second time saying “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.
Trying not to crunch leaves below your knees, you become very still as you see Roman officers and Pharisees marching toward the garden quickly with torches, lanterns and weapons in hand. Your heart feels as if it skips a beat, as you too are a friend of Jesus and the disciples. Jesus, knowing all things knew that it was the appointed time to fulfill the prophecy of His crucifixion. Just then Jesus spoke saying “Whom do you seek?” They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazarene.” He said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them.
So when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Therefore He again asked them, “Whom do you seek?” and they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,” To fulfill the word which He spoke, “Of those whom you have given Me I lost not one.” Simon Peter then, having a sword drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus.
So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword in the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?” Trying not to make an ounce of noise, you begin to ponder the words and actions of Jesus in silence…
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nk on these things…
Jesus went away 3 times to pray alone before His Heavenly Father. Remember that Jesus did this in preparation of the things to come. Jesus knew that He was to give His life, for the sin and salvation of mankind.
God graciously gave up His only Son, which was the greatest gift of all. Make time to be alone in reflection, being just like Jesus. Be reminded that Jesus continued to pray until the appointed time of prophecy. Spread the testimony of Jesus this week so that we can continue to shine our light for Him; building up His Kingdom, and walking in step with the Spirit according to His divine, perfect plan.
