When you look back on your life, you will undoubtedly remember that some days were more difficult than others. Maybe the day you heard about a terminal illness, a miscarriage, the death of someone close to you, the loss of a job, or a cheating spouse. Maybe you’re alone and feel no one cares. So many circumstances cause us to wish some days never existed. Some days are just difficult, but at the same time, necessary. Thursday was going to prove exhausting for Jesus, His disciples, His mother, His family, His followers, and even those contemplating whether Jesus was who He said He was.
But in Jerusalem, this must have been an exciting day for many because it marked the beginning of the Passover, a time to remember and praise God for His love, grace, and provision for Israel throughout history. Every part of the Passover was significant, and Jesus planned to share that experience with His disciples this evening. So he sent Peter and John to make preparations for the meal.
Evening came, and Jesus was about to spend the most intimate of times with His disciples. Jesus still had unfinished business with his disciples, but the clock was ticking, and time was racing.
As they sat around the table, and Jesus passed the bread and the cup, the disciples took, ate, and drank. Time moved quickly as the hearts of the disciples became increasingly heavy. Jesus identified Judas as His betrayer. Honestly, it was probably no shock to the other disciples. Judas left, and it was becoming more apparent that Jesus was on a fast track to the cross, and there was nothing the disciples could do to avoid any of the rapidly approaching events. After they sang a song of praise, they made the one-mile journey to the garden of Gethsemene, which is at the foot of the Mount of Olives.
Here is what happened…
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand” (Matthew 26:36-46).
Judas identifies Jesus, betrayed Him with a kiss, Peter tries to defend Jesus by using his sword, all the disciples flee, and Jesus is left to face the Sanhedrin. At this point, things were going to get much worse before they improved. So many things happened on Thursday. So many emotions. So many thoughts. So many things to come.
Imagine yourself as a disciple. You are now alone….wandering around trying to figure out how to make sense of things. Their time with the Savior is over…a recent memory of a Passover meal and praying in the garden. But now what? They gave up everything. They left their families, their homes, their cities, and their friends. Now, what would they do? What would Peter do? What would you do? Where would you go? Would you talk to anyone? Would you hide in the shadows of the busy streets?
Jesus was beginning the battle at the High Priest’s home that would eventually erase the stain of sin in our lives.
When faced with the fear of potentially being associated with Jesus, Peter demonstratively denied even knowing Jesus. We often accuse Peter of having no faith or living in a weak state of mind. I’ve often wondered what my response to his situation would be. Would I, out of fear for my own life, deny knowing Jesus? Would I try to deflect any attention from myself to the Passover? Just what would I do? What would I say? What would you do? What would you say?
When you look back on your life, you will certainly remember some days were more difficult than others. Maybe the day you heard about a terminal illness, a miscarriage, the death of someone close to you, the loss of a job, or a cheating spouse. So many circumstances cause us to wish those days never were. Some days are just so difficult, but at the same time, necessary. Some days we wish never were. This was one of those days…