Triple Option

By Michael Maynard

Published 9/27/19 @ 3:35 PM CT

“Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, Pray that you may not undergo the test. After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done. And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.
‭‭-Luke‬ ‭22:39-46

It’s been a while since my last one of these. I really have no reason for picking specific Biblical passages in relation to the liturgical year, but I felt this passage was a good one to meditate on in this present moment of time.

There are plenty of interpretations of Jesus’s complete suffering on the Mount of Olives, but today I want to focus on the Apostles. One important message in Christianity foretold in the Passion of Christ is how even Jesus’s closest friends and supporters abandoned him in the presence of public pressure. The Apostles showed that they were incredibly flawed, and in a way it attributed to the demise of their friend.

The instance right before this story involves Peter—one of Jesus’s closest associates, and the rock Jesus would choose to build his church upon. Jesus, having ultimate knowledge of the events that will transpire, tells Peter that when the time comes, he will deny Jesus three times. Peter is offended that his Lord would think so little of him, but sure enough when Jesus is put on trial, what does Peter do? He denies association with Jesus, likely out of fear and being ridiculed or even killed in the rally against Jesus.

In this passage, Jesus gives the disciples a less daunting task: To stay up and keep watch for those who look to capture him. Again knowing what is bound to happen, Jesus is rightfully nervous about the pain and humiliation he is about to endure, so he wants to take some time and talk with his Father and ask for his support. We don’t get a direct description of time for how long Jesus is praying, a guess is maybe a couple hours. Whatever it was must have been too difficult for the disciples to remain conscious, and as a result when the Judas brought the soldiers to Jesus, it was too late.

So as present day Christians, we are the disciples of Jesus. Just as those early disciples were called upon to look out for him that night, we mustn’t fall asleep when on guard for Jesus. In other words, we must commit to follow Jesus all the time. It’s a tough task, but the reward is very much worth it.

I can’t help but notice how in that scripture, Jesus twice mentions “Pray that you may not undergo the test.” I’ve learned that when someone says something multiple times, it probably is important. So what test does he mean? This life is supposed to be a test, and that’s inevitable. Aren’t we also called to want to be tested in our faith, because to lay down ones life for one is the greatest form of love? So how can we not undergo it?

Here’s what I got. When Jesus suggests we pray to not undergo the test, he may be asking us to pray that when the time comes when we need to use a great deal of faith, we are ready. Maybe by undergo he means come out on the wrong end of the test. I’ve often thought if I was Peter in that situation, would I have done the same? Or would I have fallen asleep when supposed to be on guard for Jesus? I’d like to think if I were tested in my faith, I would be willing to do what it takes stand up for my Lord. That’s something to pray about every day.

In the end I overcomplicated this, because Jesus’s command in the above scripture is engrained in the scripture is well. Our prayer is the same that Jesus said: “Not my will but yours be done.” The Lord’s will to Jesus is to take up the cross and sacrifice himself for humanity. We are all called to take up our own unique crosses, and in the same way we pray that we can emulate the love and compassion of Jesus. If we successfully take up our cross, as all the saints have done, then we will pass the test.

Have a blessed weekend. Week 5 preview coming tomorrow morning.

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