“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:12 NLT

The time was growing near. The moment that all of creation had been marching toward since before the beginning was almost here (1 Peter 1:20). The hour was late. The Passover meal had ended. Judas had slipped away into the darkness to betray the One who wanted to fill his life with light. Now, Jesus and His disciples have stepped out into the night and made their way to the Garden of Gethsemane.

It’s fitting, isn’t it? That the sins of this world first took root in a garden, and now the plan to save us from our sins comes to a head here, in a garden.

A Prayer and a Plea

Reaching the garden, Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to come a little deeper into the darkness with Him: 

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38 NIV)

Then Jesus went a little farther away and began to pray, wrestling with the task set before Him, begging for another way, surrendering to His Father’s will.

Three times, He came back to Peter, James, and John. Hoping, no doubt, to see them wrestling in prayer with Him. Three times He found them sleeping.

Then, another day, I suddenly and unexpectedly lost my mom. And I found myself exhausted from sorrow and slipping into the sweet oblivion of sleep.

I no longer judge those disciples for falling asleep.

Betrayed with a Kiss

While Jesus was still in the garden, Judas came, leading a large crowd of people. They carried swords and clubs, determined to arrest the Man who carried their only hope of salvation. With a kiss, Judas betrayed Jesus into their hands.

The night exploded around them with shouts and anger and a sword drawn. A servant is injured and then instantly, mercifully healed (Luke 22:49–51). And the disciples? Those who had sworn to never desert Him (Matthew 26:35)? They scattered, fleeing as fast and as far as their freshly washed feet could carry them.

And Jesus, the Son of God, allowed Himself to be arrested and led away. Make no mistake, no matter how outnumbered, surrender was His choice.

One, Two, Three Trials

Jesus’ accusers hauled him into trial after illegal trial, held in the shadows of the night, as if the shadows could hide the wrong they did. Jesus stood before Annas, the former high priest. He stood before Caiaphas, the current high priest. And as dawn crept up into the sky, He stood before the Sanhedrin, who ruled not with the love of God but with the iron fist of their own hypocrisy and greed. They marched Him to Pilate, who sent Him to Herod, who sent Him back to Pilate once again. 

Through it all, the One who stopped the wind and rain didn’t raise a hand to stop the spittle they rained down upon him. The One who cast out demons didn’t cast away the ones who dared to strike Him. And the One they declared guilty continued steadfast in His mission to take the punishment for their sins. 

Why?

So that the verdict will be different when our own day of judgment comes. 

Lord God, thank You for a love so great that You laid down Your own life to offer me mercy and grace. Forgive me for needing so much of it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection Questions:

Spend a few moments thinking about that long ago night and all that Jesus endured. What stands out to you the most?

In many ways, Jesus still invites us to keep watch with Him and pray. How will you commit to doing this in your life?