“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed Him.” (Luke 22:39)
As they observed an emotional passover meal the disciples probably did not realize that it was to be their last supper together. Quietly Jesus got up from the table and made His way to the door and slowly down the stairs. The disciples followed. The verse above lets us know that this was not strange to them or Jesus. He went out “as usual” to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. This must have been a special place for Jesus. A favorite spot soon to become the location of the most infamous betrayal in all of history. Why this special place? Why destroy the peaceful serenity of a garden with such a deliberate act of rebellion? Maybe it shouldn’t be such a surprise. Maybe it is all too familiar. After all, in the beginning, God and His people gathered in a garden and fellowship was broken by our rebellion.
On our journey to the cross today can we find ourselves going into the garden with Jesus? A place of peace . A place of prayer. A place of preparation. For Jesus this garden was a place that would give Him the strength and resolve to take it through to the end. Will we follow Him into the garden?
I want to challenge you to read the story. Hear His prayer. Listen to the call from our Lord to “keep watch and pray”.
O Lord, today I want to follow you into the garden. I am here. I desire to keep watch with you. My day today will be filled with many distraction and cluttered with the noise of this world. But quiet my soul in the midst of it all that I might see you clearly. Show me. Reveal Yourself to me. I want to be still and know that you are God. I will follow you into the garden. Prepare me for what is ahead. I am yours. Amen.