Read Mark 14:32-50

32Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” 35He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” 37Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? 38Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. 40And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. 41Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.” 43While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. With him was a mob, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44His betrayer had given them a signal. “The one I kiss,” he said, “he’s the one; arrest him and take him away under guard.” 45So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46They took hold of him and arrested him. 47One of those who stood by drew his sword, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear. 48Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? 49Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50Then they all deserted him and ran away. 51Now a certain young man, wearing nothing but a linen cloth, was following him. They caught hold of him, 52but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.

Reflect

Jesus gave the disciples a simple job to do while He went and prayed. Yet, they didn’t fulfill the duties that He requested of them, instead they rested. How many times does God ask something of us and we ignore His commands? Once, Twice? Jesus tried to teach them to obey His request, and resist temptation.

There are countless times during the day that God needs us to be His hands and feet. Are you praying for those God places on your heart? Are you trusting Him to lead you in the direction He has planned? Jesus knew what was ahead for Him and He knows what it ahead for us. We must wake up and follow His commands always trusting Him as our Good Shephard.

Questions

What is Jesus trying to teach you?

How are you responding to God’s commands?

Where do you go when you need rest?