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

Monday, December 1, 2025

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

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Great Love of Our Father' (1 Jn. 3:1a)
"See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!"
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 Peter 1:15-16
"Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy.""
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Immeasurably More' (Ep. 3:20-21)
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Rescues & Saves — No Other Can' (Ps. 7:1-2)
"Lord my God, I trust in you for protection. Save me and rescue me from those who are chasing me. Otherwise, like a lion, they will tear me apart. ....."

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!