Lest I Forget Gethsemane Mark 14:32-42

Mark 14:32–42 ESV

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on 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. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

So far in this chapter we have the the sovereignty of God in Christ. Though the religious leaders plot the death of Christ, and Judas agrees to betray him, Jesus is aware of what he faces and as he is anointed by the woman, he speaks of his impending death.

As he instructs the disciples on the preparation of the passover, he instructs them on what they will find.

As they recline at the table, he predicts the betrayal of Judas.

As they enjoyed the passover meal, he speaks again of His death, which he has repeated taught on since Chapter 8.

As they come to the mount of Olives, he foretells of the scattering of the disciples and the denials of Peter.

Jesus knows what is coming. He is thoroughly aware of all that awaits him, not just in abstract principle, but in concrete specifics.

As the hour draws nearer, however, the weight of what comes begins to press down upon him. And he is in distress.

As we consider this text and the distress of Christ today, I want us to really grapple with the emotional distress of our savior.

There many many texts that really exalt the true deity of Christ. This one highlights his true humanity.

Fresh on the heels of the Peter and all the disciple’s insistence that they would rather die with Christ than deny him, they travel to the garden of Gethsemane.

First, notice that he intends to spend the time in prayer. Verse 32. He said to his disciples, sit here while I pray.

Jesus knew what was in front of him and he was careful to spend that time in prayer.

Mark records that Jesus spent time in prayer at several points throughout this Gospel, but this is the first time that he actually records the content of what Jesus prays.

More on that a little later on.

Be Grieved at the Distress of Christ

Be Moved by the Prayer of Christ

Be Thankful for the Determination of Christ