We begin our series on the ‘Stations of the Cross’ in the Garden of Gethsemane. This was a place that Jesus and his disciples went to, to pray. What do you notice about the support offered to Jesus, from his disciples at this time?
He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink from it, Your will be done.” Again, He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.
The first station reminds us that Jesus faced a tough challenge and his closest friends struggled to offer him support.
Secondly, we reflect on another of Jesus’s closest followers, Judas. While the other disciples were sleeping while Jesus was praying, Judas was leading Jesus’ enemies to him.
And immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands-on Jesus and arrested Him.
At the third station, Jesus is taken away to be condemned. Jesus’ response was to remain silent, during the false claims.
Now the chief priests and the entire Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death… But Jesus kept silent.
As Jesus is alone and being accused falsely, he was aware that Peter was outside in the courtyard—not offering his support, but denying he even knew him. This is our fourth station.
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a slave woman came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.”
During this season of lent and preparation for Easter, let us reflect on our response to Jesus' steps in preparation for his ultimate sacrifice. Let us consider how we respond when we face trials of different kinds.
