Matthew 26:44-46
So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
Three times Jesus prays. Three times his disciples cannot stay awake. It is a snapshot of disappointment and failure at a time when Jesus most needed and asked for the support of his friends.
But it is also a portrait of courage and resolve. Jesus has prayed three times, each time asking that this cup be taken away, each time yielding to the destiny he sees in front of him. And now that the hour is at hand, he is ready. Alone, perhaps, as his disciples have failed to accompany him in this hour, but ready.
Yesterday we observed that prayer is a time to be honest, to share our deepest feelings with God without reserve. And that sometimes such sharing can change us, providing us with the resolve and courage we need.
But today, just before the main act of the drama is about to commence, we might also note that prayer invites not just candor but also persistence. Prayer, that is, isn’t easy. It takes time. Like our other relationships, our relationship with God requires effort and persistence as well as open communication.
Jesus is many things for us, as we will see throughout our time in Matthew’s version of the passion. One of them is an example, an example of what genuine relationship with God looks like, including praying three times deeply and desperately for a future he dreads but comes to accept.
With that example in mind, let us also get up and get going, for the hour is at hand.
Prayer: Dear God, encourage us to persevere steadfastly in our relationship with you, just as you persevere and keep faith steadfastly with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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