1. The setting would be an olive grove called Gethsemane meaning “oil press.” The olive leaves symbolized “peace” and the fruit symbolized “light.”

2. It was just after eating the Passover meal together, that Jesus and the eleven disciples went to the Garden.

3. The disciples had experienced Jesus washing their feet, Judas leaving the group, and Jesus’ words in John 13-16 as well as His prayer in John 17.

4. The disciples sang a hymn together, and then went to the place of prayer.

5. Jesus had the eight wait at a place a bit further from His place of prayer than the other three. He had Peter, James, and John wait about a stone’s throw from the place where He prayed for about three hours.

1. He gave the word to the eight disciples, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.”

2. He told the three, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”

3. But, the three fell asleep as they were overcome by sorrow. (The custom on Passover was to stay awake and recount God’s redemptive acts to the Jews.)

4. Jesus found them asleep and said, “Couldn’t you watch with Me for one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing but the body is weak!”

5. Jesus found them asleep a second time.

6. When He returned the third time, Jesus said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? But look- the time has come.”

1. Jesus knew what He faced and wrestled with His humanity.

2. Jesus never resisted the will of God.

3. Jesus prayed again for God’s will through Him.

1. Jesus knew His mission had to be fulfilled.

2. Jesus’ prayers were excruciating.

3. Jesus had to become sin for us that we might be saved.

4. Jesus was obedient to His mission.

5. Jesus’ suffering prepared Him to be our intercessor.

6. Jesus’ suffering gave Him the ability to understand our weakness.

7. Jesus endured and is waiting for us to come to Him.

How would life be different for the disciples?
1. Would the disciples have been prepared for what they faced just ahead if they had prayed rather than slept?
2. Would the disciples have made better choices instead of drawing swords, if they had prayed rather than slept?
3. Would the disciples have stayed faithful instead of running to hide, if they had prayed rather than slept?
4. Would the disciples have stayed loyal to the Leader, if they had prayed rather than slept?

How would life be different for you?
1. What are you facing today…are you willing to pray that you might be prepared for your future?
2. What does God want to prepare you for that only prayer will be your defense?
3. Are you willing to submit to God’s will, even if it costs you?
4. Are you willing to submit your will to God’s will?