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Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane and asked them to keep watch while he prayed. Throwing himself face downward on the ground, he prayed “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.” He found the disciples asleep and asked them to keep watch. Then he prayed again “My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” He found the disciples asleep again, left them and prayed a third time. Then he returned and woke them, saying “Get up, let us go. Look, here is the man who is betraying me!”

Understanding the text

• This incident takes place late at night. It follows the Passover meal Jesus ate with his disciples. Jesus is well aware that he will soon be betrayed, arrested and put to death in a way that will involve extreme suffering. These things have been foretold by prophecy and Jesus knows this is all part of God’s plan for him.
• At this very difficult time, it is significant that Jesus wants to talk to God in prayer and that he gains strength and comfort in doing so. This passage highlights the human side of Jesus’ identity by referring to his grief, anguish and sorrow.
• In his first prayer, Jesus asks if there is another way for God’s plan to be accomplished. However, almost as soon as he has said this he realises and accepts that God’s will must be done.
• Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, are the three disciples Jesus was especially close to. However, on this occasion even they let Jesus down by failing to stay awake and keep watch with him as he prays.
• After praying for the third time, Jesus is strengthened and resolved to meet his betrayer and the armed mob.