Key Thought

We desperately need the presence of friends who love and support us in our times of struggle and distress. Jesus needed these closest three followers -- Peter, James, and John -- to be there with him and help him bear his burdens. So often, we don't ask for help when we need it. In addition, we often forget to "stand with" those in need of support. Jesus' honesty in his moment of anguish is a powerful reminder that we need to do both!

Today's Prayer

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O Father, help me "stand with" those around me who are facing hardships. Use me to help them bear their burdens and to pray with them. In addition, dear Father, give me the honesty to share my burdens with those who can "stand with" me in my times of distress. In Jesus' name. 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)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.