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Atomic Bible
Matthew 26:36-46·~1 min

Jesus Prays at Gethsemane

Jesus brings the disciples to Gethsemane, takes three with him, and speaks of sorrow that reaches the point of death. He falls facedown and prays for the cup to pass if possible, yet submits to the Father’s will. Each time he returns, the disciples are sleeping, and he warns them to watch and pray against temptation. After the third prayer, he tells them the hour has come and the betrayer is near.

T36hen Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” 39Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. 41“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” 42A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” 43And again Jesus returned and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44So He left them and went away once more and prayed a third time, saying the same thing. 45Then He returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us go! See, My betrayer is approaching!”

Section summaryIn Gethsemane, Jesus takes Peter and the sons of Zebedee and enters deep sorrow. He prays for the cup to pass if possible, but submits to the Father’s will, while the disciples sleep and fail to keep watch.
Role in the chapterThis movement places Jesus’ anguish and obedience beside the disciples’ weakness.