Places can have an aura, a feeling, or an atmosphere that leaves folks visiting in a certain way. Some places create anxiety, others excitement, and a few bring moments of peace. It’s interesting that in the moment of great anxiety, Jesus chose a peaceful garden.
“Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”” (Mark 14:32–42, CSB)
There is much to consider in these verses. Consider these as nuggets to explore further.
For most of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is shown as God the Son. And here in the garden, we see a very human Jesus. The strain and anxiety of the moment are evident. “He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.” (Isaiah 53:3, NASB95) And in that emotional state, He sought out a quiet and peaceful place to talk with God the Father.
The garden setting reminds us of that other garden where mankind first sinned. That moment when Adam and Eve chose self over God brought Jesus to this moment of preparation for the cross.
Jesus’ prayer is perfect. “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” Some faith healers have taught that praying “if it be your will” is wrong. But here’s Jesus, fully knowing the Father’s will, pouring out His heart in anguish but also with great trust, praying “your will be done.”
Jesus called God the Father, abba. Daddy, papa, or whatever a child learning to talk calls his father. It is an intimate, close moment.
Peter, James, and John – the big three disciples – are just like us. Here they are on the cusp of something huge. Jesus is uncharacteristically anxious. Jesus has warned them about His arrest. And they can’t keep their eyes open. I know the feeling. Truly – the spirit is often willing and the flesh weak.
When the betrayer entered the garden, Jesus did run away but went to Him. Nowhere in the events that are about to unfold did Jesus attempt to evade or lessen their impact or pain.
Perhaps one of these nuggets nudged your heart. Lean into that and talk to Abba Father about it. But here’s something else to think about. Any place can be a place of peace where we shut out the noise around us and focus our heart, mind, soul, and strength on Jesus.
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