STATION 1

JESUS PRAYS IN THE GARDEN
LUKE 22:39-44

Devotion:
As Christians who believe that Jesus was not just a human being, but also the Son of God, for us the scene in Gethsemane can be shocking to many of us. It stretches our understanding and boggles our simplistic understanding of who Jesus really is. In Gethsemane, perhaps more than in any other scene that depicts Jesus’s life, we see the fully human Jesus. In this moment he is going through emotions that are very uniquely human. This means, among other things, that Jesus understands when we are tested, when we are weak, when we aren’t sure we can complete God’s will for our lives. In Jesus, we have and can believe in, not a far off and abstract god who is watching us from a distance, but one who knows our every weakness, and who is there to help us in our time of trial, because he has been in those moments when he was human with us.

Reflection:
When you envision the Garden of Gethsemane what images come to your mind? Do you image lush trees and vegetation? Is it more arid like the desert? Or do you imagine a single tree and rock in which Jesus prayed at? Whatever picture of Gethsemane you keep in your mind, may you let Scripture fill out its meaning. May you be encouraged to come before God with complete honesty, holding nothing back. May you wrestle with God’s will for you. As you do, know that Jesus understands, and is there to help you, know this because he has been there.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as I reflect upon your experience in Gethsemane, I am once again astounded by your humanness. You are truly God in human flesh. You are Emmanuel, God with us. You are also God with me. You understand me. You stand with me in hard times. You encourage me when I wrestle with the Father’s will. And you intercede for me. How I thank you, dear Lord, for who you are, for what you have done, and for what you are doing in my life today. Amen.