Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives .. Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives. His disciples followed him. Luke.22.39
Before Jesus would endure the physical suffering that so many of us simply do not like to look at .. try to just consider the experience of emotional and spiritual torment that was far greater than we can imagine .. BUT TRY – Ask God to help you see how in the garden, the full scope of Jesus’ mission became readily apparent to Him and Jesus knew, once He left the garden – the treacherous betrayal by one of His own .. being derided and made sport of by soldiers .. a circus of a trial in which guilty politicians proclaimed judgment on the world’s ONLY MAN WITHOUT SIN – an innocent man, yet brutal beatings, a Crown made of thorns, and then, the cross.
“When He came to the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’” — Luke 22:40
Without a doubt, this was the most terrible of missions ever given to an individual. As you imagine the serene garden scene, contemplate the anguish Jesus must have felt and the mental anguish as He tried to grapple with His Father’s will, so Jesus Prayed .. Then he went a short distance away from them. There he got down on his knees and prayed. He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup of suffering away from me. But do what you want, not what I want.” An angel from heaven appeared to Jesus and gave him strength. Because he was very sad and troubled, he prayed even harder. His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Take your time; there is no hurry. Allow your thoughts to center on Jesus in His most holy moment .. and as you consider the meaning of what is called HOLY WEEK ..