“They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Mark 14.32-34
Much happened on this hillside, the place of the “oil press,” known in Hebrew as “Gat Shemanim.” It is where Jesus came and was “pressed,” beginning his journey of being bruised for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus, the precious Lamb of God, was slain for the sins of the world. Many could say it began at Gethsemane, after the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus would soon be arrested. But before this, he went to pray. He took three of his closest disciples—Peter, James, and John—and he was “deeply distressed and troubled.” He said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” He then commissioned them to stay and keep watch while he prayed.
God praying to God. Jesus praying to the Creator. The Son praying to the Father. Jesus was essentially alone on that hillside. While the world went about its business, Jesus did business with God. “Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will'” (Mark 14:35-36).
Isn’t this the hardest prayer to pray? It was for Jesus. Some more familiar translations say, “Not my will but yours be done.” Jesus submitted himself to the Father. How often are we called to submit ourselves to God? Daily? Weekly? Yearly? Jesus was asked, and he submitted in the moment. He, who was to be pressed for the sins of the world, began this journey near the garden of the oil press.
He did this for us, for our sins, and our disobedience. “Not my will… but yours.”
Today, the Lord is asking us to make sacrifices. He wants us to walk in step with His ways and His will. Sometimes I obey; often I ignore. But this day, while serving at Revive Children’s Camp, I am reminded of His sacrifice for me and how He wants me to sacrifice for others.
“Come, Lord Jesus, fall upon your people. Meet us with your Spirit and draw us to yourself. Help us to know the power of your love and the grace of your heart. Come upon us as we receive your gift of salvation. Call all people to yourself. We bind the devil in Jesus’ name, who could not stop Jesus that day nor can he stop Jesus today. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen.