Station 1: Agony in Gethsemane

Agony in Gethsemane by El Greco

The stations of the cross begin with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with three of his disciples: Peter, James, and John. In Matthew’s telling of the story, two important things have happened before the four arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane. The first is the Last Supper where Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples. At this meal, we learn a couple of important details that will inform the rest of our journey.

First, Jesus proclaims that “My appointed time is near,” while the disciples did not know it yet Jesus is referring to his upcoming death on a cross (Matthew 26:18). Second, Jesus announces that one of the twelve who are sharing the meal with him will betray him (Mt 26:21). Each of the twelve, in turn, denies that it will be them (Mt 26:22). When it comes to Judas, who will make an appearance in our journey in just a few days, he says to Jesus “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi? Jesus answered ‘You have said so’’” (Mt 26:25). The third piece we get from the Last Supper is Jesus's institution of a new covenant in his blood, which is “for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt 26:28). 

Once the meal is finished they retreat to the Mount of Olives where Jesus tells the disciples that all of them will abandon him in his time of need (Mt. 26:31). Peter, being himself, immediately tells Jesus that he will never turn his back on him (Mt 26:31-34).  Jesus then tells Peter he will deny him to which Peter replies he would rather die than deny Jesus and, not wanting to be outdone, all of the other disciples quickly agree with Peter (Mt. 26:35). With all of this said Jesus, Peter, James, and John head towards the garden.

This brings us to station number one: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane also known as Agony in Gethsemane. Before you continue take a minute to center yourself in prayer. Ask Jesus to lead you on this journey with him. If possible go outside before you read this scripture. Feel the grass beneath your feet. Listen to the birds as the chirp. Taste the crisp air of spring. Then read the words from the Gospel of Matthew below. 

"Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

(Mt 26:36-41)

At this point ask God to reveal a word or phrase from this passage of scripture to you. Invite him to speak to you through his living word. Then read the passage again paying special attention to what, if anything, stands out to you. 

If, after your second reading, a word or phrase stands out to you: ask God why? Ask what in your life God might be addressing with his word?   

Then close your time in scripture with the following prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ our God who has felt sorrow and distress; our God who chose to endure our suffering. Give us the strength to endure our days. Give us the courage to pray when we do not know what is ahead. Draw near to us your people. It is in your mighty name we pray amen.

Join us tomorrow as we walk through station number two.