They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before.
When he returned to them the third time, he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (Mark 14:32-36, 38-39, 41 NLT)
Nothing Jesus did was automatic, as if without thought. Major decisions were prefaced with deep prayer, even His final commitment to the Father.
This glimpse into the Lord's struggle in prayer serves as an example for us. The Father didn't remove the need for Jesus to decide what He would do. This is true for us.
Even when we fail, there's a choice. Our spirit may be willing but our body and selfish nature are weak. This is why we have a hard time surrendering our will to the Father.
Jesus has gone before us in this struggle. Take heart, trust Him, and learn from His example in the garden. ©Word-Strong_2015