JESUS KEEPS US CLOSE

This past week my morning scripture readings have come from the book of Matthew. He gives us a good account of all the events leading to the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Christ. In his writings we get a glimpse of a last meal together between Jesus and His disciples, the introduction of a “new covenant” using bread and wine, along with chilling words describing betrayal and denial that will involve all 12 men. For those of us who know the backstory, it’s Judas and Peter who will be singled out as two who fit the description applied to their integrity as faithful followers. 

When entering the Garden of Gethsemane for fervent prayer, I find it interesting that Jesus invited Peter to join Him, along with the sons of Zebedee, James and John who had reputations for being very passionate–actually a couple of hotheads at times. As often as I have read these verses over the years, it was this week that I asked myself “why did He choose these three men to join Him in a time of prayer bathed under great sorrow, trouble, and fear”. Reflecting on my own question I surmised that perhaps Peter needed to witness firsthand the anguish that Jesus felt in the garden, knowing what the coming days would unfold–His betrayal by Judas, the arrest, trial, torture and ultimately death by crucifixion. 

If James and John were indeed deeply passionate about Jesus’ ministry and their role in advancing God’s kingdom on earth, why wouldn’t they be included in prayer that was raw, tearful, and brutally honest pleading for a way to escape impending brutality and death?

Sadly, as we continue reading Matthew’s account of the evening’s prayer time, Jesus is left alone in His anguish, as every one of the disciples fell asleep. Were they bored? Had they said what they could in prayer, feeling depleted and exhausted? Had they given up on the night to wait for morning and a fresh start to a new day?

I think Peter gets a bad wrap for his choices. I would even stretch the blame we put on the disciples as being too judgemental. I think if I’m honest–if you’re honest–we all can relate to Peter and the others in ways that cause us to feel shame, guilt, fear…exercising our need for self preservation when faced with insurmountable odds.

An old testament psalm used in the second week of Lent comes from Chapter 27. Beginning at verse 11 we read: “Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord”.

As Jewish men, the disciples would have been very familiar with this psalm. For three years they had been taught. They walked Jesus’ path that led to His oppressors. They heard lies spoken about them and that Jesus declared Himself as Messiah. They may not have always seen the goodness of God in daily life and indeed their strength failed and hearts wept from fear and not knowing the painful days ahead for their beloved Master.

Now that we believers have the advantage and beauty of the bible in its entirety, we can read Matthew’s account of their ministry coming to a crossroad. Their lack of comprehension for Jesus’ impending death was not yet clear. With tired minds and bodies they fell asleep. I like to think they were “waiting”. Waiting for an upheaval to Roman oppression. Waiting for Jesus to make His move to set the Jewish community free from Roman rule.

Peter, James and John, had front row positions to Jesus’ anguished prayers. In their failings, they most likely missed the opportunity to minister to their beloved teacher. Even with their faults, Jesus kept them close, allowed them to remain with Him. I visited the Garden of Gethsemane in 2019. It’s not a huge area. It’s very serene with olive trees, flowering shrubs, and rocks along the walking path. Even though nine of the disciples fell asleep a short distance away from Jesus and the other three, they were still fairly “close” which would have given them the ability to see and hear all that occurred. 

What can we glean from this? Even when we are weak, tired, full of fear and our own deep anguish, God is with us. In verse 5 of Psalm we read: “For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock”.