Bible Study from Matthew 26:36-46
This is a well-known Easter passage from the book of Matthew where Jesus prays in the garden at Gethesmane.
Listening to His prayer, we get the real meaning of “fully man” as quoted in Scripture.
You can feel the agony in Jesus’ voice as He fights human feelings to avoid the coming crucifixion in Jerusalem.
God truly shows His unselfish love in these verses.
The Prayer Jesus prays in the garden at Gethesmane
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed.
Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”
And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”
And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour?
Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.”
Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.
Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting?
Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” – Matthew 26:36-46 NASB
Jesus Agonizes Over His Coming Betrayal and Crucifixion
“not as I will, but as You will.“
These are the words of a man who was about to suffer a horrific week of betrayal, trial — and a slow and unbelievably painful death on the cross.
Why? So that He could take on our sins to keep us from eternal separation from God.
Christ Did Not Flee
We don’t know our future but Jesus certainly knew His. He was well aware of everything that was about to happen to Him.
Christ could have simply ran away,moved to another country for safety, or He could have spoken a word and stopped the soldiers.
“Fully Human”
The human side of Christ begged not to let the things take place while the holy side knew these things were in God’s plan of salvation.
For Us – God Understands
You may be suffering right now from an unavoidable event in your life. But remember, God went through unspeakable pain and agony we cannot even fathom. He understands everything we are experiencing.
Turn It Over to God
When life strikes a blow, the best thing for us is to pray as Jesus did at Gethesmane.
Ask for the situation to get better but also pray; “not as I will, but as You will.”
God knows what is best for us and how we fit into His plan. Sometimes, suffering is a part of that plan.
Let’s reflect on passion week this Easter and know that God gave a love we can never repay.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you like to learn how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read over John 3:16 to learn more…
Read Today’s Verses Here:
New American Standard Bible
New King James Version