Jesus Alone in Gethsemane 

Imagine if you knew tomorrow that you would face a painful death. Imagine that you could make the call to extricate yourself, but decide not to do so. In your final hours, what would occupy your thoughts? You, as an individual, are alone, confronting a dreadful situation. Your life, friends, and family will be dearly missed. Perhaps you would reflect on your achievements and the good deeds you have done. You are certain that God has always been by your side. You don't question being killed for speaking the truth. And it is almost midnight.

Jesus faced death, as every human must, and someday it will be us. What did Jesus do and think?

Late on Thursday, when the camp in the Garden of Gethsemane settled in for the night, Jesus took his designated companions, Peter, James, and John with him a short way further up the Mount of Olives. They had never seen the Master so burdened and sorrowful. Jesus asked them to watch with him as he went a little distance further to be alone to pray.

Jesus had only one question: was he doing the Father’s will? He continued praying, then went back to his apostles and found them asleep, as it had been a long day and night. Jesus awoke them: "What! can you not watch with me even for one hour? Cannot you see that my soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death, and that I crave your companionship?" Then Jesus went back and, falling on the ground, prayed, "Father, I know it is possible to avoid this cup—all things are possible with you—but I have come to do your will, and while this is a bitter cup, I would drink it if it is your will." And after he prayed, a mighty angel came down by his side and, speaking to him, touched him and strengthened him.

When Jesus went to his apostles, they were again fast asleep. He awakened them, telling them in such an hour, he needed them to watch and pray with him – even more so that they don't fall into temptation. Jesus returned to pray alone, "Father, you see my sleeping apostles; have mercy upon them. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak. And now, O Father, if this cup may not pass, then would I drink it. Not my will, but yours, be done." After praying, he lay prostrate. Again, his apostles were asleep when he awoke. He looked at them and said, pitifully, "Sleep on now and take your rest; the time of decision is past. The hour is now upon us wherein the Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of his enemies." As he shook them to wake them up, he said, "Arise, let us be going back to the camp, for, behold, he who betrays me is at hand, and the hour has come when my flock shall be scattered. But I have already told you about these things."

The beatings and torment of a human Jesus contrast sharply with his glorious resurrection, which manifested the might of a divine God. As midnight drew near, evil would rule for the next fifteen hours, bringing him from a bogus trial to his horrifying crucifixion and death. When Jesus saw everything that was lost in an instant, the compilation of a vital human life coming to an abrupt end and the gravity of dying suddenly weighed him down. Jesus was exhausted – mentally, emotionally, and physically. His sweat fell off his face. Identifying with his father’s will, he stood determined to employ none of his power as sovereign of his universe to save himself. The armies of heaven stood poised, waiting for a command, but only watched.

The human heart of Jesus crushed him. Jesus loved his apostles and dreaded leaving them, being anxious for their safety. He was isolated from his family. Judas, one of his close companions, was betraying him. The Jews rejected him, a people chosen for a special mission on earth to carry on his spiritual teachings. His seed-sowing ministry of love and mercy seemed to have fallen onto the rocks. After all his good deeds, he faced private loneliness, public shame, and the appearance of the failure of his cause, weighing him down. Jesus hit a human low-point.

In this great sorrow, Jesus’ mind began to reminisce of happier times, of his childhood in Nazareth, his early work in Galilee, the many pleasant scenes of his travels and ministry, fishing on the Sea of Galilee. He grew calm and strengthened his heart and will, ready to meet the traitor. Before Judas arrived, the Master fully regained his customary poise. His spirit rose victorious over the flesh, and his faith asserted control over all fear and doubt. The supreme test of what a human can be, poise, dignity, and strong faith, was a perfect gift to the Heavenly Father. Once more, the Son of Man was prepared to face his enemies with equanimity and in the full assurance of his invincibility as a mortal man unreservedly dedicated to the doing of his Father’s will.