Key Passage
Then Jesus went back to his followers. He found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, why are you sleeping? You could not stay awake with me for one hour?”
— Mark 14:37 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
How this must have hurt the Lord. My heart breaks for Jesus as he endures this time in the Garden. He knows he is going to the Cross. He knows Judas will betray him. He knows his closest followers will abandon him. He knows that Peter will deny him. He knows the other ten will run away and leave him alone. He knows that he will be ridiculed and mocked. Now, he has to know all of those things and still not have anyone care for him enough to pray with him an hour. I’m so thankful that the Lord knows what it feels like to be forsaken and let down by those closest to you. I’m also so very sad for him. Let’s pray and work to never let him down like this ever again.
Prayer
O Father, I am so sorry! Please, dear Lord, make me stronger and more courageous. Don’t ever let me outlive my love for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Related Scriptures
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas came there. He was one of the twelve apostles. Judas had many people with him. These people were sent from the leading priests, the teachers of the law, and the older Jewish leaders. These people with Judas had swords and clubs. Judas planned to do something to show the people which man was Jesus. Judas said, “The man I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him and guard him while you lead him away.” So Judas went to Jesus and said, “Teacher!” Then Judas kissed Jesus. Then the men grabbed Jesus and arrested him. One of the followers standing near Jesus grabbed his sword and pulled it out. This follower hit the servant of the high priest with the sword and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said, “You came to get me with swords and clubs like I am a criminal. Every day I was with you teaching in the temple area. You did not arrest me there. But all these things have happened so that it will be like the Scriptures said.” Then all of Jesus’ followers left him and ran away.
— Mark 14:43-50
Those children are people with physical bodies. So Jesus himself became like those people and had the same experiences people have. Jesus did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has the power of death. That one is the devil. Jesus became like those people and died so that he could free them. They were like slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. Clearly, it is not angels that Jesus helps. Jesus helps the people who are from Abraham. For this reason Jesus had to be made like us his brothers and sisters in every way. Jesus became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then Jesus could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins. And now Jesus can help those people who are tempted. Jesus is able to help because he himself suffered and was tempted.
— Hebrews 2:14-18
We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue strongly in the faith we have. Jesus, the high priest that we have, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways that we are tempted, but he never sinned. With Jesus as our high priest we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace (forgiveness). There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.
— Hebrews 4:14-16
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
