Sunday, March 19th

The Garden Prayer

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”

Matthew 26:36

Read John 17:1-26

The name “Gethsemane” means oil press. Olive oil was a major product of the land, and olive trees were a common sight. The Garden of Gethsemane was located at the foot of the Mount of Olives. It was a favorite place of retreat for Jesus. Often, He would slip away to this secluded spot for prayer.

On the night of His arrest, He dismissed His disciples with a final Passover hymn then, after singing, went out to the Garden. The crush of the oil presses was no match for the excruciating weight of emotions He would feel.

As He prayed, He interceded for His followers. Expressing His undying love and concern, He requested that they not be removed from the world but that they be protected from the influences of the enemy.

Knowing that His return to the Father was imminent, He took the mantle of ministry which was on His shoulders and placed it onto these faithful followers. Most of all, He prayed that they would experience the rich love only God could give, “… that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (John 17:26b).

Something to think about

1. What did Jesus tell the Father He accomplished?

2. What did Jesus request for His disciples?

3. How is Jesus’ prayer coming true in your life?