Agony in the Garden

Jesus & His Disciples enter the Garden.

English Standard Version Chapter 26

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

If possible, take this cup of approaching death from me but if not, then your will be done. The cup is so revolting He’ll only taste it if it’s the father’s will. And since it’s the father’s will, he’s more than prepared to drink it. The cup that Jesus faced is God’s wrath against sin. The cup in scripture is often seen as diving judgment and wrath. Psalm 75:7–8 “but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs.” Isaiah 51:17 “Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl, the cup of staggering.”

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible Chapter 22

“By signifying how it felt in the one view, He shows His beautiful oneness with ourselves in nature and feeling; by expressing how He regarded it in the other light, He reveals His absolute obediential subjection to His Father.”

English Standard Version Chapter 26

The angel: not to minister comfort. Not to bring a message. To strengthen.

The drops of blood.

English Standard Version Chapter 26

43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

The Betrayal

John 18:1–11 ESV

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. (Mark 14:45 “And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him.”) (Matthew 26:50 “Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.”) This word “friend,” the word hetairos in Matthew, always appears in a response from a righteous figure to a wicked person.

John 18:1–11 ESV

So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (Luke 22:51 “But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.”) Matthew 26:52–56 “Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 26

(A Roman legion had about 5,000–6,000 soldiers, so this indicates at least 60,000 angels.)

John 18:1–11 ESV

But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.”

Mark 14:51–52 ESV

And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

What can we learn from Jesus’ prayer?

What brought Jesus peace in times of great distress?

Have you ever felt so alone even from the ones closest to you?

Honestly, who is the only One you have there for you in times of great anguish?