Holy Week: Wednesday

Jesus in the Garden

Matthew 26:36-46

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.”

The Son of God was truly human.

In the garden, we see it clearly. Him like us!

Sorrowful. Troubled.
He knows what is coming.

Judas is on the way. Arrest is imminent. The cross arriving with tomorrows sunlight.

Jesus knows the road ahead: mocking, beating, scourging, and crucifixion. He knows the physical agony that is coming—and the weight of what He is about to carry.

And so He prays.

“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me…”

This is not weakness—it is honesty.

Jesus does what we are invited to do: He brings His honest feelings before God.

He does not pretend the path is easy.
He does not hide His desire for another way.

But He does not stop there.

“…nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

That is the turning point.

Jesus does not allow His desires to override His obedience.
He trusts the Father—even when the path is painful. Because at times the Way of the Cross is the Will of God.

Reflection

We often find ourselves in this same place.

Facing something heavy.
Fearing what is ahead.
Asking God for another way.

And it is right to ask.

But we must learn to end our prayers the way Jesus does:

“Not my will, but yours.”

Are you seeking God’s will—or asking Him to approve yours?

It is right to bring your requests. It is wrong to demand the outcome.

Prayer Prompt

What are you carrying right now?

Name your fears.
Speak them honestly to God.

And then—open your hands.

Ask Him for what you desire,
but trust Him with what He decides.

His will is good—even when it is hard.