It all happens in the garden!

Reflecting on Mark 14:32-42

"The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38)

It all happened in the garden.
The serpent comes to the garden to tempt us (Genesis 3).
The first Adam failed, and we’ve been falling into temptation ever since.
Jesus alone endures through Satan’s worse, and stands firm.
He is the Son of God (Adam) that fully refuses the serpent’s lies.
He stays true to God’s purpose, remaining an obedient Adam.
He does God’s will – to love God and humans – to the very end.
In this way, He reclaims Adam’s position in creation.
A God-like human is back in charge of this world.
The curse is reversed, the serpent is crushed, Eden is reclaimed.
This is the good news of the kingdom of God.
God is making this world “very good” again.
It all happens in the garden.

Jesus is the reason why I have hope, even when I personally am weak.
He goes into the garden with me, and perseveres for me.
Again and again (more than three times) He comes to me in my weakness.
He reminds me of my need for help, and of His willingness to help.

Have you ever been in a place like this?
Going through something awful, pleading for God to make it go away?
I’ve had milder versions of this, but not as bad as others.
Honestly, I don’t think I could handle what other people go through.
I admit it, “spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38)

Jesus is deeply distressed and troubled, overwhelmed with sorrow.
In my own way I can relate to some of these feelings.
Not because of what I am going through, but what I see around me.
I feel the pain or despair or burden of those around me.
I also plead with God to take the cup away, for them!
But the cup doesn’t seem to go away, it doesn’t seem possible.
“If possible the hour might pass…” (Mark 14:35) – apparently not.

I relate more to Peter, James and John, unable to watch and pray.
Too tired, or distracted, or overwhelmed, or discouraged.
It doesn’t seem to help, and I lose the strength to persevere.
Once again I am reminded of my weakness… and His strength.

Our world is in a state of chaos and confusion.
I cannot watch the news anymore, it is so discouraging.
Those I looked to for hope have turned out to be weak as well.
My confidence in the church and christianity has been drained.
I am tired of fighting, tired of trying to make things better.
My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak.
Jesus comes to me daily, gently asking ‘are you asleep?’
And like the disciples, I do not know what to say to Him ((Mark 14:39).

“Watch and pray…” (Mark 14:38)
This is about all that I have the energy for, barely.
I keep watching Jesus, I keep standing with Jesus in the garden.
Sometimes I pray with my mouth, sometimes with my feelings.
Often I falter, fall asleep, or am overwhelmed by discouragement.
But I keep focusing on Jesus as He leads the Way through these times.
He’s gone through such times before, and He will again.
I am weak, and I fall asleep often… but at least I am with Jesus!
I will stay with Him, stay focused on Him.
And I eagerly look forward to that moment when He finally says:
“Enough! The hour has come.” (Mark 14:41)

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are my hope as I go through each day in this confusing, chaotic world. You are my strength when all my other supports fail me. You stand firm when I fall asleep. Today again I choose to go through the day with You, focusing my tired and weak eyes on You. Come quickly Lord Jesus!