The Gospel According to Mark: Jesus the Suffering ServantSample

Peter, James, and John were the three friends Jesus took with him up the mountain to share his most glorious moment, when he was changed in appearance (back in chapter 9). Now he took the same three friends with him to share his most difficult moment as he prepared to be cruelly crucified. On the mountaintop, the three friends were terrified of Jesus' appearance. Now, when Jesus especially needed their comfort and presence, they fell asleep.

It seems that Jesus’ friends were continually missing the point.

What about us? Do we also miss the point? Do we miss how terrible this night was for Jesus? Do we miss how much he feared what was to come? Do we miss how difficult this process was for him?

Jesus came to earth in order to die. He did it willingly and obediently. But it was still difficult for him.

If living a selfless and obedient life was challenging for Jesus, we shouldn’t be surprised that it will be challenging for us, too, even though we won’t face the same horrors Jesus did.

Following Jesus requires that we die to ourselves daily, just as Jesus willingly died for us. Jesus faced his trials by praying to his Father honestly and passionately.

We should do the same.

Focused Reflection

verses 32-36 (Jesus prays)

• Consider how honest and vulnerable Jesus was when he prayed that night. Think of a time when you cried out to God in prayer. What were the circumstances? How did you pray? How did God meet you there?
• Jesus asked for the deepest desire of his heart, and then added: “But, Father, I want your will to be done, not mine.” What does this example of Jesus show you about prayer?
• Romans 8:26 says that when we don't know how or what to pray for, God’s Spirit prays for us in ways that can’t be expressed in words. He prays in alignment with God's will, and God understands him, so we can trust that God hears, understands, and will work out his will in the way he knows is best.
• Today, find time to pour out your heart to God. You can do this by praying silently, by praying aloud in a place you feel safe, or by praying in your journal (written prayer).

General Reflection

• What do you learn about Jesus from this passage?
• What do you learn about following Jesus from this passage?

Extra Info

• Abba​ is the Aramaic word for “father.” Aramaic was the common language of Jews in the time of Jesus. Though people spoke Aramaic, the New Testament was written in Greek, the global language of that time.