What Jesus Did : Mark 14:35 - If Possible?
by Phil Ware
If Possible? - Mark 14:35
Jesus walked a little more away from them. Then Jesus fell to the ground and prayed. Jesus prayed that, if possible, he would not have this time of suffering. (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
Jesus was honest in his prayers to the Father. He demonstrated his need both verbally and physically. Jesus shows us in this story what genuine prayer is all about. In these verses he shares his agony with the Father in humility and honesty. In the verses that follow, he offers himself to do whatever the Father wills and not just what is easiest. As we pray, we need to follow our Lord's example of genuine prayer—honesty, humility, and submission. Not only did Jesus teach us to pray in his teaching on earth, he also demonstrated how to pray in his own personal walk with the Father.
Today's Prayer
Dear Father, I come before you recognizing your majesty and my need. You are the glorious God of all creation, the Father of all peoples, and the Sovereign LORD of all nations. I come on my knees, dear Father, offering myself to you. Please use me in the ways that bring you glory and ensure that I am drawn ever closer to you in character and compassion. Please heal me of my infirmities—both the physical ones and the spiritual ones. Bring yourself glory through my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
Jesus and his followers went to a place named Gethsemane. Jesus said to the followers, "Sit here while I pray." Jesus told Peter, James, and John to come with him. Then Jesus began to be very troubled and full of sorrow. Jesus said to Peter, James, and John, "My soul is full of sorrow. My heart is breaking with sadness. Wait here and stay awake." Jesus walked a little more away from them. Then Jesus fell to the ground and prayed. Jesus prayed that, if possible, he would not have this time of suffering. Jesus prayed, "Abba, Father! You can do all things. Let me not have this cup {of suffering}. But do what you want, not what I want." Then Jesus went back to his followers. He found them sleeping. He said to Peter, "Simon, why are you sleeping? You could not stay awake with me for one hour? Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. Your spirit wants to do what is right. But your body is weak." Again Jesus went away and prayed the same thing. Then Jesus went back to the followers. Again Jesus found them sleeping. Their eyes were very tired. The followers did not know what they should say to Jesus. After Jesus prayed a third time, he went back to his followers. Jesus said to them, "You are still sleeping and resting? That's enough! The time has come for the Son of Man to be given to sinful people. Stand up! We must go. Here comes the man who is giving me to those people."-- Mark 14:32-42 (ERV)
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