When [Jesus] returned to [the disciples] the third time, he said, "Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no — the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let's be going. Look, my betrayer is here!"
—Mark 14:41-42 NLT
Jesus returns from praying for the third time, and he knows the Father's answer. The challenge and the horror that he faces will not pass from him. The cross and all that goes with it will be his to bear alone. The inability of Jesus' close friends to remain awake in prayer and the approach of another one of the Lord's close followers to betray him to the soldiers sent to arrest the Son of God make clear the time of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice is about to begin.
Precious Father, the Holy One of Israel, I am saddened by the failure of Jesus' three closest followers and the treachery of Judas. Yet, dear Father, I fear that I also see in them a bit of myself. Thank you for not letting the story end in defeat and desertion by the disciples. Thank you for Jesus' faithfulness through the horrible ordeal that will not end until your Son's lifeless body is resurrected. Thank you for giving Jesus victory over death and having him bring us triumph over sin. Thank you, Jesus, for all that you endured when you had the power to prevent it. Thank you with all my heart. In your name, the name of the crucified and now risen Savior. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
—Mark 14:41-42 NLT
Key Thought
Jesus returns from praying for the third time, and he knows the Father's answer. The challenge and the horror that he faces will not pass from him. The cross and all that goes with it will be his to bear alone. The inability of Jesus' close friends to remain awake in prayer and the approach of another one of the Lord's close followers to betray him to the soldiers sent to arrest the Son of God make clear the time of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice is about to begin.
Today's Prayer
Precious Father, the Holy One of Israel, I am saddened by the failure of Jesus' three closest followers and the treachery of Judas. Yet, dear Father, I fear that I also see in them a bit of myself. Thank you for not letting the story end in defeat and desertion by the disciples. Thank you for Jesus' faithfulness through the horrible ordeal that will not end until your Son's lifeless body is resurrected. Thank you for giving Jesus victory over death and having him bring us triumph over sin. Thank you, Jesus, for all that you endured when you had the power to prevent it. Thank you with all my heart. In your name, the name of the crucified and now risen Savior. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
