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After the supper, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the Mount of Gethsemane, one of Jesus’ favorite spots for prayer. He did not hide his distress from the disciples who were willing to lay down their lives for Jesus’ sake (31). Jesus knew their hearts, and although he also knew their weaknesses, he asked them to keep watch and support him in prayer (34).
As his heart was troubled with sorrow and deep distress, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed (35). He confessed his desire to avoid the task he was facing. However, he chose to trust his Abba, his Father, who is almighty, and prayed for His will to be done (36).
Peter was willing to die for Jesus, but he could not resist sleep (37). Peter’s confidence did not prepare him for what was coming. Only through prayer and keeping watch can we overcome temptation and carry out the will of God. Are you too overwhelmed and weary to process your situation and decide what to do? Let’s come down on our knees with Jesus and ask for the wisdom and strength from the Lord (James 1:5), who enables us to live by faith in any circumstance (Phil.4:13).
Mar 31, 2026
JESUS PRAYED
Passage: Mark 14:27-42
Key verse: 38
NIV
chapter 14
27. "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: "’I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
28. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29. Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."
30. "Truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "today - yes, tonight - before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
31. But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.
32. They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray."
33. He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.
34. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
35. Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.
36. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
37. Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour?
38. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
39. Once more he went away and prayed the same thing.
40. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
41. Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.
42. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Prayer: Father, I bring my weakness and vulnerability before you today. I want to live according to your will. Please guide me by your will.
One Word: Keep watch and pray