Before Jesus was arrested, He went to the Mount of Olives to pray in the garden. He knew the events to follow and warned the disciples to stay alert and pray that they not be led into temptation. They would see their Lord, their Master and Teacher, led away, tried and crucified. It was imperative that they stay strong and not abandon their work.
They fell asleep. While Jesus prayed to His Father in obedience and great anguish, the disciples succumbed to their own angst and slept. They could neither foresee nor understand the impending doom or the coming glory, but God called for their loyalty. Instead, Judas would betray Jesus to the soldiers of the high priest, Peter would deny knowing Jesus three times to accusers, and the disciples would scatter as Jesus was brought to the cross and crucified.
Jesus had warned them to stay alert and true to Him and His teachings, but danger and fear drew them off course. I can’t imagine the terror of that day and the immense pressure on those who loved Jesus. They failed Him, yes, but I have failed Him for far less–danger, fear, but also simple desires, laziness, boredom, selfishness and pride.
What might the risen Christ tell me today if I met Him in the garden? Stay alert. Pray that you may not be led into temptation. I too have a purpose in the course of this world. I need not know how it will unfold, just to stay alert and follow Jesus all the way.
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:39-40
Meeting God at the Park 