Day 644: Strength through prayer - Luke 22 vs 39 - 46

39-40 Jesus came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41-42 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed,  saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 

43-44 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45-46 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Luke 22:39-46 (English Standard Version)

During the days He was in Jerusalem it seems Jesus regularly went to an area called ‘the Mount of Olives’ to pray. It will be helpful for Christians to also make it a habit to do certain things, especially setting a regular time aside for praying. Sadly, Judas will have been aware of this custom and so he knew where to bring those who were going to arrest Jesus. What does Luke tell us of the posture of Jesus on this occasion as He prayed? (vs 41-42)

We read that He knelt down. The Old Testament tells us it was also the custom of God's faithful servant Daniel to “get down on his knees three times a day to pray, and to give thanks before his God.” (Daniel 6:10) It doesn't mean kneeling is the only way to pray, but it is a posture that expresses humility before God and was the custom of many of God's servants through the ages. Especially when, as Jesus instructed, they “went into their room and shut the door, and prayed to their Father who is in secret.” (Matthew 6:6)

What was another important feature in vs 41-42 that we see in the prayer life of Jesus?

It's surely those words: “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Jesus didn't demand that God do what He wanted. He certainly wasn't looking to God for fame or fortune. It seems He was asking for strength to do His Father's will. And we see in vs 43-44 that His prayer was answered. But notice too that, despite being strengthened by the appearance of an angel, He still prayed fervently. Yes it was a threatening situation, but I'm sure that all of Jesus' prayers were prayed with a sincere earnestness. Let us be ever careful that our prayers are not casual and merely a formality. In contrast to Jesus' earnest prayers, what was the state of the disciples? (vs 45-46)

Before we criticize them, remember that it had been a long day and Jesus had spoken at great length during that last supper. Let's ask ourselves too whether we ever get drowsy in prayer, and even doze off. Jesus pointed out that prayer is the means God has given us to be able to resist temptation and to keep our faith strong. If we neglect earnest prayer Satan will find it easy to lead us astray.

The encouragement we can take from this incident is that Jesus knows more than we ever will what it's like to face the deepest trial. Who of us has ever sweated blood? So the writer of Hebrews could say to Christians who were going through fierce trials: “Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we don't have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us draw near then with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16) We may not see an angel, but God does hear our prayers.