Week 25 - The moment of truth

Theme:

Jesus is tested to the limit, but He remains faithful.

I am also sometimes tested by external forces and also by forces within myself.

What I may wish to ask:

That I can continue to follow Jesus on the way He has chosen.

That I can persevere in my desire to follow Him, whatever that might involve.

Music: Matthäus Passion, BWV 244: Aria, “Aus Liebe”

Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben,

von einer Sünde weiß er nichts.

Daß das ewige Verderben

und die Strafe des Gerichts

nicht auf meiner Seele bliebe.

Out of love my saviour is willing to die,

- Of any sin he knows nothing –

So that eternal ruin

And the punishment of judgement

May not remain upon my soul.

Spotify Link:

https://open.spotify.com/track/6O3w5olV579tWddxZI5QsM?si=0a605521941a447a

YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/R4uTDZMFSg8?si=DTjk2KjRcmcQMN0D

Mark 14: 32–42

32 And they went to a place which was called Gethsem′ane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what thou wilt.” 

Yet not what I will, but what thou wilt. Jesus chooses for love time and time again, whatever the costs are to Himself. I look back at my own life. When did I choose to follow the way of love, even when this proved to be difficult?

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37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch[f] and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer him. 

Jesus doesn’t ask the disciples for help, or consolation, or advice. But he does ask them to be there for Him, although at a distance. The disciples fall asleep. And I? How do I react if there is absolutely nothing I can do but just be there?

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41 And he came the third time, and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

I look at this Jesus who returns for a third time. It is enough, He says. Jesus knows, has most likely accepted, that He will be handed over to the mercy of the sinners.

I can consider how Jesus’ attitude keeps changing in this story. I pay close attention to my body: what movements do I notice in myself when I look in this way at Jesus?

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