1. Read verses 27-28. According to Jesus, how would this scripture be fulfilled?

Verse 27 mentions that God would strike the shepherd and the flock would be scattered. This was fulfilled when Jesus is arrested soon and all the disciples run away. But Jesus was not discouraged by this, he saw it as fulfillment of prophecy.

What promise did Jesus give his disciples?

“But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Jesus wanted to help them at this time of failure with a sure promise to put their hope in.

How could this promise help them?

They would be facing the death of Jesus, his arrest and hopelessness. But here Jesus promises he will overcome death. This would encourage them through the tough times. When they were unstable, Jesus gave them something stable to hope in. At these times it is also better to see things from God’s point of view.

2. Read verses 29-31. How did Peter respond?

Verse 29, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” Peter was very brave and expressed his love for Jesus in promising this. Peter expressed his loyalty to Jesus.

The others?

Verse 31 also mentions that the other disciples insisted emphatically that they would never betray Jesus either. This idea was one of emotion. They had no idea of the severity of the trial to come.

Did Peter know himself?

Peter made this statement, not knowing how he would stand up under pressure. Peter was loyal and bold in words, but weak in deed. Later on Jesus said, “The spirit is willing but the body is weak.” Peter at this time, did not have the strength to keep this promise.


What hope did Jesus have for him, in spite of his weakness? (Lk 22:31-32)

Luke 22:31-32
“31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you[a] as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."”

Jesus knew that Peter would fall away to Satan. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter would return to the faith and be a leader by strengthening others. As Peter depended on himself, he never prayed. He was then weak in times of crisis. Jesus wanted him to depend on God. Peter thought he was tougher than the others, but he was the same.

3. Read verses 32-34. Who did Jesus take with him to Gethsemane?

After making his Passover prediction of betrayal, Jesus went out into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus told the disciples to sit there while he goes and prays. He then took Peter, James, and John with him further into the garden.

What did he ask them to do?

He asked them to stay and keep watch while he goes on and prays. Jesus was testing them to see their heart at this moment and to see what their heart motive is. Would they pray or sleep? Jesus asked them to learn how to struggle in prayer basically. To learn to depend on God during times of hardship.

Why could they not keep watch with him? (37-38, 41)

They kept falling asleep. They were tired in their own right, but here it shows their prayer life. In a moment of crisis, they fell asleep, instead of praying. Prayer wasn’t a normal part of their lives. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. We know what we should do, but the body doesn’t want to do it. To cope with a crisis the disciples fell asleep. Some play games, some turn to drinking and drugs, some lose faith in God. They failed because they didn’t have a prayer relationship with God.






Why was Jesus so distressed?

Jesus was so distressed because as fully God and fully man, he was going to experience the full amount of pain coming in just moments. He was going to experience the full weight of the sin of the world. Knowing this was coming was highly stressful, there was no way to avoid it.

So lonely?

At this time, none of the disciples understood just what was going to happen. Jesus knew that he would soon be betrayed, abandoned, and then suffer for the sin of the world. No one could understand his pain.

How is Jesus' humanity revealed here?

Jesus embodied all of humanity as well. Jesus felt what we felt. Just like any normal person, we would be filled with grief if we knew this kind of thing was coming. So in this time, Jesus decides to go and pray.

4. Read verses 35-42. How did Jesus address God?

Jesus called to God and addressed him, “Abba, Father” This is a very personal way to call God. It also showed how serious the situation was. Jesus also mentioned that everything is possible for God. Jesus acknowledged his sovereignty.

What does this show about his relationship with God?

Jesus had a close personal relationship that he could call God, “Father.” Jesus called out to God directly, “Abba, Father.” Jesus also knew to trust God and to go to him in his time of need. Jesus relationship was mature, deep and unshakable assurance in God’s love.

What was his prayer topic?

v35. “Going a little further, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.” Jesus prayed to be strengthened to be able to carry out God’s will, not to avoid it.

What did he mean by "this hour"?

This hour would be the crucifixion.

"This cup"?

The cup of sufferings, the cup of betrayal, the cup of death on a cross. The arrest and death and resurrection that was about to happen. It was like a cup given to Jesus and he had to drink it.

What reveals his inner conflict?

Jesus was both God and man. Jesus knew the cross was the only way and part of God’s salvation plan. But the human side didn’t want to suffer under that pain.
Jesus said, “Not my will but yours be done.” His conflict is revealed in this statement.

His humanness?

That he fell to the ground and prayed, and that he was overwhelmed with sorrow. Jesus was very frank in confessing his distress and sorrow to God.

His spiritual victory?

In the end Jesus prayed, “Yet not what I will, but you will.” Jesus gained strength through prayer and gained the reassurance of God’s salvation plan. He was strengthened so that he could face his accusers and take the cross he was given.

Without a relationship and without prayer spiritual victory over Satan is very hard. Jesus prayed at his time of need so that he could be strengthened to do the will of God, not to avoid it. This should be our habit to take these times to God in prayer and ask for strength to do his will, not our own. Prayer is not asking God a favor, but a time to obey God’s will.