Jesus in the Garden, Day 1

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”[1]

Meditation

            The first Station of the Cross is in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. This scene occurs after the Last Supper, when Jesus identified Judas as the one who would betray him. After Judas runs out to the Temple authorities, Jesus takes three of his disciples to a quiet place in the Garden in the dead of night. He wanders a few steps away from them and utters his first prayer to those disciples, warning them to pray not to fall into a time of trial.

            Today, over two thousand years later, Jesus prays for us that we may not come into the time of trial. Our trials test us. In our legal system, a trial is held to determine guilt or innocence and to discern the truth. At the trial’s end, the person is judged to be innocent or guilty. Trials are an inevitable part of life, both legal and personal trials. Our personal trials, however, are not about finding guilt or innocence but about developing an internal fortitude to come out of the trial stronger and better prepared for whatever life brings our way.

Spiritual discipline

Fast for the next 4 days by waking up and starting your day 15 minutes earlier than usual, using the time for study, reflection, journaling, and prayer. When you wake up and realize it is early, remember Jesus praying in the Garden. Whenever you feel tired throughout the day, remember Jesus asking for this cup – this trial – to be removed from him. As you prepare for bed in the evening, feeling a little more tired than usual, remember Jesus’ sweat falling like great drops of blood onto the ground.

Prayer

Loving Lord, we know we cannot avoid all of the trials of life, but we can know you will use our trials for good. Walk with us through our time of trial, even as we walk with you to the cross. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

This is the 4^thin a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes. Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Luke 22:39-46