Devotion:
Read Matthew 26:36-39.
This is the moment in Jesus’ life here on earth that I see him most fully human. He knew that his crucifixion was imminent. And he knew how cruel and agonizing that form of execution was. The Romans often lined the roads with criminals being crucified as a means of deterring others from doing anything against the empire. I’m sure Jesus had witnessed that scene and heard the cries of those hanging there in excruciating pain.
So, his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is certainly understandable: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me….” I have shared with many of you before that I wonder how long he paused before saying the rest of that prayer. Was it a few seconds, a few minutes, an hour or more? (After all, he mentions “an hour” when he returns to the disciples and finds them sleeping.) I think it is most reasonable, and certainly human, to expect that he paused for some amount of time to see if some answer to this request would come.
It is the rest of that prayer that is most inspiring. Even though he knew what it was like to be crucified (and the torture that he would endure before getting to the actual crucifixion), he went on to pray “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” It is a prayer of complete trust and surrender to God. Most of us will never be put in life-or-death situations, but all who follow Jesus are invited to learn to pray that prayer.
Personal Worship Option:
Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us how to pray, not only in the prayer you taught your disciples to pray but in this prayer you prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Give us the wisdom and courage to seek and follow your example of complete surrender to your mission. Amen.
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