Today’s reading comes from Mark 13-15 follow the link provided here to read the ESV online.
Jesus went to the garden to pray. He brought a few of the close disciples with Him and left them to keep watch. He had just spoken of the need to watch and pray in the previous chapter (13:32-37). He wanted them to keep watch, however, they let him down by falling asleep. Jesus comments that they should pray against this temptation because, “the spirit is willing and the flesh is weak” (14:38).
Jesus was facing his own crucial moment. A moment that would effect all of them. He was praying to the Father for another way, but pressed on to pray, “Not what I will, but what you will” (14:36). The disciples didn’t know what was coming, or at least they didn’t know the immediacy of it. Jesus knew it was coming and was trying to prepare them.
We don’t always know that is coming down the road in our lives. There have been several moments where life seemed to be going fine and then something suddenly happened and we had to adjust and change direction. We’ve lost loved ones, addressed a health crisis, etc. In the grand scheme of things these are all relatively small things that we didn’t see coming that affected our life and schedule. Had we known about them in advance or even known when we would face something, we might have been better prepared. Jesus reminds us that there are events that we do know will unfold and they could unfold in our life time (13:32-37). Are we ready? Are we living at those who are ready for Christ to return at any moment?
Here is how I am praying through this passage today:
FATHER, Thank you for the blessing of your word. Thank you for grace to look into this moment you shared with your disciples. I pray that we would be those who are expectant and ready for your return. I pray that we would not be lazy or fall into temptation because we assume your return is a long way off, but that we would be those who are diligent and ready. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.
What did you take away from today’s reading? What are your thoughts or questions? Feel free to comment below and enter the discussion.
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