Week 25 - The hour of truth

Theme:

Jesus is tested to the limit, but He remains faithful.

I am also sometimes tested by external forces and also by forces within myself.

What I may wish to ask:

That I can continue to follow Jesus on the way He has chosen. That I can persevere in my desire to follow Him, whatever that might involve.

We are approaching Holy Week, the week of Jesus’ suffering. Jesus asks us to go with Him and stay with Him in His fear, sorrow and surrender.

Music: Bleibet hier. Taizé

Bleibet hier und

wachet mit mir.

Wachet und betet,

wachet und betet.

Stay with me and

keep watch with me.

Keep watch and pray,

keep watch and pray.

Mark 14, 32-42 In Gethsemane

And they went to a place which was called Gethsem′ane; 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.”

Jesus takes his beloved disciples with him to pray in this hour of despair. They sense the tension, the danger. What would I do if He asked me to go with him? How does this work in my daily life, am I able to support someone to the extreme? Even if this would cost me a lot of effort?

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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 to thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what thou wilt.” 

Jesus surrenders himself to God’s will. He knows what the Father wants of him. But do I know what my heavenly Father desires of me, do I know what his will is for me? And am I able to comply with His will?

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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.”

The disciples fall asleep, they are not watchful. Three times Jesus asked them to pray with him. They are not able to comply with his request. Do I also allow myself to be lulled into sleep when faced with difficult situations? Do I dare to stay with others and support them in their need? Because Jesus is not just asking his disciples to support him, He is also asking me!

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Music: Bleibet hier Taizé