Day 7: With Jesus in Gethsemane (Part 1)

Take a moment to quiet yourself: close your eyes and take some deep breaths.

Pray this prayer or something similar in your own words: Jesus, help me draw close to you by seeing my suffering in yours and your suffering in mine.

Today and tomorrow, we spend time with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest. Today we focus on his interactions with his disciples. Take your time reading the passage the first time, noticing details: Where are Jesus and the disciples? What does Jesus tell them about his own experience, and how does he look and sound as he shares it?

Jesus suffers emotionally, mentally, relationally, and even physically here. Luke 22:44 adds that in his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

As you read the passage one more time, continue to imagine that you are present with Jesus, drawing on your own suffering to be with him as the scene unfolds.

As you close this time of prayer, consider what you might want to say to Jesus, and share that with him.

Reflection Questions

Personal reflection:

What might Jesus have been feeling when he found his disciples asleep, especially in contrast to his own intense anguish?

Community discussion:

Are there parts of Jesus' suffering here that you identify with, such as friends who miss or misunderstand what you're going through, or emotional pain so intense it physically hurts? How does knowing he experienced this meet you?