The Garden of Gethsemane
Not My Will, But Yours
Matthew 26:36-46about 2 minutes to read aloud
After the last supper, Jesus went out to the Mount of Olives. He came to a place called Gethsemane, a quiet garden with old olive trees. He said to His disciples, "Sit here, while I go and pray."
He took Peter, James, and John with Him farther in. His soul was heavy. "My soul is sorrowful, even to death," He said. "Stay here and keep watch with Me."
He went a little farther. He fell on His face. "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will."
He came back and found the disciples sleeping. "Could you not keep watch with Me one hour?" He went away and prayed again — the same words. And a third time.
An angel came from heaven and strengthened Him. His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. He was in great agony.
"Rise," He said to the disciples. "The hour has come." He walked out of the garden toward what was waiting for Him. He went, because the Father had sent Him.
Questions to talk about
Where did Jesus go to pray after the last supper?
Show the answer
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, to a garden called Gethsemane.
What did Jesus pray to the Father?
Show the answer
'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass — yet not as I will, but as You will.'
What were the disciples doing while Jesus prayed?
Show the answer
Jesus found them asleep. 'Could you not keep watch with Me one hour?'
The lesson
The Son bowed under the weight of our sin, and said yes to the Father. That yes became our salvation.
