What Jesus Did! 'The Company of Friends' — Matthew 26:36-38

Monday, December 1, 2025

Blessed Christmas!

Our prayer is that the presence of Jesus be with you and fill you with hope, peace, and love!

 Read More
Then Jesus went with [the apostles] to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray." He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
— Matthew 26:36-38 NLT

Key Thought

It's hard to imagine Jesus' needing anything if we think only of his divine nature and ignore his human nature. But God never allowed that separation. Jesus faced the same struggles and needs we do as mortals. He knew what lay ahead for him. He knew he would be abandoned by all those he had invested himself in. But before that horrible journey began, he wanted the companionship of those closest to him. And he wanted that companionship while he prayed!

Today's Prayer

Father, I confess that sometimes I am caught up in my own self-sufficiency and wrongful thoughts of independence when I know, deep down, that I need the strength and support of other believers. Forgive me when I think too much of my own strength and when I am too proud to ask for the help of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Humble me gently so that I will open my heart to the help and companionship of Christian friends. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Face of Fear
Article by Phil Ware
What do you do when you are really afraid? Fear can paralyze and immobilize us if we let it be our master.
He Entered Your World
Article by Max Lucado
God drew near to us in Jesus, so why would we not come to him with our challenges, troubles, and trials? Max Lucado reminds us that Jesus longs for us to draw near to him in our times of troubles, problems, challenges, pain, and trials.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 26:36-38 NLT — "Sit here while I go over there to pray." —— "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, December 1, 2025

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Luke 2:10
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.""
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Clothed with Christ' (Co. 3:12-14)
"Dear Father, Grant that we may clothe ourselves with Christ, for he is a garment of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience,..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Giving God's Blessing after Welcomed Ashore'
"[After their shipwreck, Paul and all his fellow travelers made it safely to shore as Paul had promised.] Near the shore where we landed was an estate..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Make the Most of Every Earthly Opportunity'
"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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.

More What Jesus Did!