 42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” 47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”Matthew 26:42-50 |
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Before the Gesthemene prayer Jesus was “overwhelmed with sorrow”. After the prayer, Jesus has the determination to tell Judas, “Do what you came for”, the power to quell an uprising led by Peter, and the resolve to go willingly into custody and, eventually, the cross. How does Jesus do it? Something about his prayer gives him strength. Prayer does not always change circumstances. But prayer always touches and changes you. We draw strength from prayer. We build courage through prayer. Prayer helps you live with God’s will for your life. We see from the text that Jesus needed to be fearless to fulfill his destiny. And the Father gave his Son what he needed. Prayer is more than a request line. It is a life line.
Jesus, I know that prayer is my lifeline. I know that my relationship with you is the key. I pray that in this prayer hour, you will bless me with your presence. Bless me to see that your presence is the one thing that anchors my day. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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God bless,
Rev. Jeffrey Brown |
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