Read Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14: 32-42, Luke 22:39-46
The first three gospels give the account of Jesus’ last time in prayer as a free man. There are subtle variances, yet by reading all three reports we have the best picture of Jesus’ time in the garden of Gethsemane. It may be here that Jesus felt more loneliness and disappointment than any other time, outside that moment on the cross when He called out to the Father He thought had forsaken Him (see Matthew 27:45-46 or Mark 16:33-34).
Of all His disciples, Jesus had shared the most with Peter, James and John. He had befriended them in a deeper way, shared more of His heart and miracles. And as He prepared for His torturous death just ahead, He asked that these three be with Him to give comfort and support. So Jesus took them further into the garden than the other disciples and there He asked that they shield Him as He prayed, and to pray while he prayed. His anguish was severe and Luke 22:44 says when Jesus prayed about what was about to come upon Him, His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. But instead of providing the comfort and support the Lord desired, his friends slept. They deserted the Lord in this time of His soul’s great misery.
There are so many lessons in the Garden of Gethsemane story, but two stand out for me this Easter season. First, Luke 22:45 says the disciples slept because they were exhausted from sorrow. That gives me a clearer picture of their behavior. I don’t believe their sleeping was from lack of concern for Jesus but from deep depression. It is common for people who are depressed to escape overwhelming sadness by sleeping. It is a coping mechanism. Three times the Lord returned to them and each time found them sleeping. It wasn’t right, but it was how they managed their fear, desperation and sadness.
The second thing brought to focus in the Gethsemane experience is this: while we can never depend on man in all situations, we can depend on God in all situations. Luke 22:43 says the Father supplied an angel to strengthen the Lord. In the times of our loneliness and despair, we too have a Father to send help man cannot give. Though man may be limited in understanding and ability to help, God never is.
Father, every word of scripture is a story of life and a lesson in managing our time on earth. May the Gethsemane experience of Jesus sink deep into our minds and hearts, consoling us in our failures and giving hope in times of need. Through Jesus, You provided a way of grace that we might endure and complete our journey home. Your sacrifice, and His, became our victory. May we give new praise and honor this Easter for the one who endured both Gethsemane and the cross. To our Lord and Savior Jesus be all glory!
(Artist name unknown, source is Bing, Garden of Gethsemane)
Prayerful Pondering 
Beautiful, as always, Pat. I agree on all accounts. You wrote this clearly and concisely and the flowing words gave me pictures in my head. The comfort there comforts me in my time of sorrow over my dad.
Jean, I am so grateful that you found comfort and appreciate your telling me. I wrote as the Holy Spirit directed; it is the only way I can write meaningfully. Because of Jesus’ compassionate heart, I know he was grieved for His disciples even though He spoke to them out of His frustration. How I love our Savior!
Just finished watching Passion of Christ…and the Gethsemane garden scene was like his pre living the cross. So sad seeing and hearing how he suffered for us. A love greater than we deserved, and yet this was done for our salvation. Thank you for your writing and the reminder of the assurance we have in and through our Lord Jesus, through all tribulations.
Beautiful thoughts, Pat. I so agree with you summation. The disciples weren’t negligent, they were human. Only God never fails us.
Janet, when I think of all the times I read that story about the disciples not keeping watch with Jesus and thought “How could they?” The same way I do things that make me think “How could I?” Thanks for your comments.
Artist’s name: Adam Abram
Thank you, Mary. Is this your husband, son, brother? It is a beautiful painting.