THURSDAY

“’Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’”
Luke 22:42

Following from where we left off yesterday, and with the knowledge of how the Jewish days are counted, we find Yeshua and his disciples on their way to the Garden of Gethsemane following their meal. Mark records that either as they were walking to the garden or upon arrival, Yeshua told the disciples that they would all fall away. Peter, the same one who had taken a few steps on the water toward Yeshua, boldly announced that even if the others fell, he would not. But the Messiah knew he would also, for He knows all things. Therefore, He announced to Peter that before the rooster crowed twice Peter would deny Yeshua three times (Mk 14:26-30).
It is in Mark 14:32-41, and Luke 22:39-46, that we find some of the most quoted passages concerning Yeshua’s prayer. Within these verses we find the disciples charged with the task of praying. Once they arrived, the Messiah took Peter, James, and John with Him deeper in the garden and asked that they might keep watch. “Pray that you will not fall into temptation,” He said (Lk 22:40). Oh that we would be ones that pray that prayer even today. Temptation is all around us, desiring to take us under its control and prevent us from staying alert to the ways of Adonai. I am challenged right now as I read this passage again. Adonai, please help me not to fall into temptation.
Then, stepping a few more paces within the garden, Yeshua prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42). Yeshua knew His task; He knew the purpose for which He had come to earth. Now standing on the verge of this purpose He was asking His Father for strength. The Father responded by sending an angel to Him (Lk 22:43), yet His prayer only continued, and in more anguish, until He began to sweat what appeared to be drops of blood. Knowing the events that were still to play out during that night were close, He arose to gather His disciples. But where were they? They had fallen asleep and escaped to dreamland. In the moment when Christ asked them to be strong and alert, sleep had overpowered them.
While Yeshua was awaking His disciples, and speaking to them, a crowd began to approach led by the wayward disciple, Judas. Judas had already worked out a secret code with the band of men he was leading, that the one who he kissed would be the one they were to arrest. Judas then kissed the Messiah. Taking note of the officers and temple officials, the now betrayed Messiah questioned them if He was being charged of leading a revolt as they approached Him with swords and clubs. Daily He had been in their presence and they did not lay a hand on Him, and now they approached with weapons. Matthew records an event following this that I question of myself. “Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled” (Mt 26:56).
Yeshua had told the disciples just an hour or so before that they would all fall away. And even with Peter’s announcement that he would not, Peter still did. But if I were in Peter’s shoes, would I have done the same? Would I have fallen asleep first of all in the garden, but would I also have stood boldly with the Lord or fallen away. If I were to answer I would probably have said as Peter did, “not I”. But the truth is I probably would have, also for fear of being arrested for being with Christ. I hate that this is my answer, but I am also glad. I am glad I can see where I falter so that I can also know where I need His strength. In my own way I daily have this choice. Will I stand up for Christ, or will I fall back when trouble is looking at me? I urge you to see yourself in the disciples as you read this story, and be honest with yourself as well. Would you stand there and hold firm in the presence of all that is happening, or would you fall away? His strength is there for us who struggle, and as we will later see of Peter, His forgiveness is there for us also when we fall away.