Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane: A Bible Study from Matthew 26
In this deeply moving Easter passage from Matthew 26:36-46, we witness Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. This moment reveals the humanity of Jesus as He faces the weight of what lies ahead—His crucifixion in Jerusalem.
As we listen to His prayer, we gain a clearer understanding of what it means for Jesus to be “fully man,” experiencing both agony and surrender. The raw emotion in His voice captures the inner battle between human fear and divine obedience, showcasing God’s unselfish love for humanity.
Take a look at this moment in the Easter story and learn about lessons of sacrifice, faith, and grace found 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 agonizing 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 in the Garden of Gethesmane
We don’t know our future but Jesus certainly knew His. He was well aware of everything about to happen to Him.
Christ could have simply run away, moved to another country for safety, or He could have spoken a word and stopped the soldiers. Instead, He chose to face His fate because of God’s plan for salvation — and His love for us. Jesus understood that His sacrifice was necessary to redeem humanity and offer eternal life to those who believe. By willingly accepting His path, He demonstrated extraordinary faith and commitment to fulfilling His divine mission.
“Fully Human”
As Christ’s human side begged for these things not to happen, the holy side knew they were part of God’s plan. This moment of tension highlights the importance of both halves of Christ’s humanity, and of accepting God’s will.
For Us – God Understands
You may be suffering right now from an unavoidable event in your life. But remember, God suffered unspeakable pain and agony we cannot fathom. He understands everything we experience. In times of hardship, we can find comfort in knowing that God knows our struggles and pain. Just as Jesus endured and overcame His suffering, we too can draw strength from His example. Trust in His understanding. Then, let it be a source of comfort and hope.
Turn It Over to God – Jesus Did in the Garden of Gethesmane
When life strikes a blow, we should pray as Jesus did at Gethesmane.
Ask God for the situation to get better but also pray; “not as I will, but as You will.“
God knows what we need and how we fit into His plan. Sometimes suffering is part of that plan.
Paraphrasing a movie I once saw, God spoke to a group of people. He said, “I know times are tough. But, if you have faith, maybe times will change.” Jesus had tremendous faith in God’s will for Him. It led to tragedy on Good Friday. But it also led to Easter Sunday!
Let’s reflect on passion week this Easter and know that God gave 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…