Jesus Prays to God

Jesus Prays to God

Matthew 26:36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and

he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” (NIV)

          Jesus feeling the stress of what was about to take place knew that he needed strength from his Father. It was a heavy burden that he had to carry. He was in agony over what must be done.
Thoughts of distress entered into his mind. Feelings of anxiety grew within him. The pressure and strain of it all was taking its toll on him. Thoughts of there possibly being another way came to mind.

          He took Peter, James and John with him and asked them to watch and pray as He went to talk to his Father. He solicited their prayers in order to help him be strong. There seemed to be no way to go around what had to be done. He asked the Father if there was any way that this grueling task could pass from him. However, he knew that it had to be God’s will and not his. Yet, worry flooded his thoughts. He was so burdened by what he had to do that sweat as if drops of blood dripped from his face.

          His human body was reacting to what he was going through mentally. He was going through mental anguish and despair. He wanted to not carry this burden if there was some other way. The reality of what he was about to face was becoming clearer. He was about to embark upon a path that had been discussed between he and the Father, but never taken. He got up to go to his disciples and found them sleeping.

They didn’t understand what he was going through. Their bodies were tired and even though they longed to be of support, the heaviness of sleep came over them and they yielded to its demand. Jesus needing the support of their prayers awakened them and asked if they could pray just one hour. He again left to go back to pray to the Father.

          Once more, Jesus asked the Father if the task that he was about to do could be passed on from him. He knew that it had to be the Father’s will and not that of his own. He was almost pleading for this moment to pass from him. It was too much to handle. The thoughts that came to surface in his mind, as to what was going to happen, gave him no reassurance. He had no feelings of optimism.

          Even while knowing what his mission was, it was of no comfort. His emotional state was that of solitude; He needed the reassurance and strength of his Father, which was something only He could give. He could visualize the people making a mockery of him; knowing the evil that was in their hearts and what they would do. It wasn’t going to be easy. It was going to be horrible. It was going to bring tears to his eyes to watch and feel the hatred, of the very ones he was dying for, to take joy and pleasure in the unjust mockery of a trial that would result in his death.

          He once again went back to the disciples and found them sleeping. He was alone. He did not have their support or prayers. This would be something that he would have to face all by himself. They wouldn’t be there. Even now, they couldn’t support him while in his state dire need. He went back to pray and then an angel came to comfort him and bring him peace as to what he was about to do.
The anxiety was gone. The Father had sent him support. He was not alone. All heaven was watching and waiting. The Father gave what support He could to help His agonizing Son. There was nothing more He could do, but sit and watch the events all take place. Jesus was strengthened. He was ready. The time had come.