1: Jesus at Gethsemane
In the darkest hour before dawn, we hear night-time sounds in this garden on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, rising above the faint sounds of the city of Jerusalem.
“He went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.' Then he withdrew from them, knelt down, and prayed, 'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.'”
Luke 22:39-43
Jesus has known for a while that people were out to get him; he has been bold and upbeat, but now the time of his trial draws close he wishes it were otherwise. He is utterly human, doesn't want to die and asks God to spare him this trial. Around him, at the garden of Gesthemane, the disciples sleep.
Commentary by Revd Catherine Shelley