Mark 14:32-36

"They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want'" (Mark 14:32-36).

Comment:

Mark's narrative of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the evening before his crucifixion is shorter than Matthew's or Luke's, but the message, I think, is the same. In his Christ Consciousness Jesus has perfect faith that he will live beyond physical death and demonstrate to his followers that death is simply an illusion. Jesus is still human as well, and his ego mind can only see how painful and humiliating the process will be. In this brief prayer, Jesus acknowledges both the faith of his Spirit and the fear of his mortal mind. Is there not an easier way—a way that his mortal mind would find acceptable—to achieve his demonstration of immorality? And in the very same breath, he makes his choice. He will trust the guidance of Spirit and embrace the faith-filled and loving demonstration that will be the culmination of his earthly ministry.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed