Mark 14:32-42

By this time, Jesus and the eleven remaining disciples had reached a small enclosure containing olive trees - as the word Gethsemane literally signifies. They had passed the site quite often. Its seclusion afforded Jesus as a brief moment alone with the Father before the soldiers of the high priest came to arrest him.

Leaving eight of his disciples at the entrance to the garden, Jesus again took Peter, James, and John with him, just as he had done on the Mount of Transfiguration. Then, they were to witness his glory. Now they were to witness his agony of soul as he faced the prospect of his death upon a cross.

At a certain spot, Jesus left the three disciples to keep watch for his enemies, for he was anxious not to have his communion with the father disturbed at the critical moment. Alone in prayer and with deep emotion, Jesus dared to express to the Father the wish that he might be spared from the suffering that awaited him. Well did he know that this was impossible. For that very hour he had been sent of God. Quickly, therefore, he submitted to the inevitable as he prayed, Yet not what I will, but what you will (Mark 14:36)

Returning to the three, Jesus found them sound asleep. The events of that night had taxed their physical strength. They were exhausted. Then, too, they did not anticipate the imminent arrest of their Lord. Jesus gently chided them, saying, Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. (Mark 14:38). He was warning them not simply of that hour but of the more challenging hours that were yet to come for them. Howe well did he know that in spite of their best intentions, The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. (Mark 14:38)

Jesus's words went unheeded, for he returned again and yet again, and each time he found the disciples sleeping. Finally he said to them, Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (Mark 14:41)

For a moment, the humanity of Jesus seems to have faltered at the immensity of the load that he had been called upon to bear for the redemption of the world. But, in communion with the Father, the victory had been completely won. With grim determination, he aroused his sleeping disciples to face the worst that men could do to him saying, Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer! (Mark 14:42)

We dare not intrude to analyze the sacred experience in the garden of Gethsemane. The Letter of Hebrews sheds some light on its mysteries...

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:9-10)

During the days of Jesus's life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. (Hebrews 5:7-9)

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of deat - that is, the devil (Hebrews 2:14)