crumbs 139

 

Crumbs 139 Facing the Worst

Scripture Mark 14:32-36 World English Bible

32 They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.” 33 He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed. 34 He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch.” 35 He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 36 He said, “Abba,Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.”

Crumbs

Luke tells us that Jesus habitually went to a garden beyond the brook, Cedron. Habits developed in happier times may serve us well in times of crisis..Here our Lord’s habit is to pray in the peace of a garden.

There are two ways of looking at this passage, Jesus is a supreme example of how to behave in the face of challenge We must all face the fact of our own death and here is the Saviour facing his. He was tempted in all points as we are.

But also this incident is unique to the Saviour. He alone faced the prospect of carrying the sins of the world. Comng the highest beauties of heaven he faced the lowest of insults and verbal abuse. He would face terrible pain. He resisted using His power to ease that pain. The men who abused and tortured Him were those for whom He died.

In distress and facing such a hard dilemma He did one thing we can do when in dire straits. He called for the company of others, calling for the prayer support of the disciples and the presence of Peter, James and John.

.Through out this passage we learn much of the nature of prayer. Prayer is the out pouring of the heart in the context of the father child relationship. It is a child talking to Dad about things that bother them. It is a relationship of intimacy yet respect. Prayer is not an insulation against the woes of the world. It is being alert to the context of our experience. To pray it helps to know what is going on. The path of the disciple is fraught with pitfalls. Our prayer may be a call for avoidance of temptations and trials or the strength to face them. Whichever He is there.

Questions

1. What do we learn from how Jesus faced His death. ?

2. What helpful habits should we develop?..

3. What have we learnt about prayer ?