Sunday – Denial & Resurrection Foretold: Matthew 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31
Upon leaving the upper room where Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper memorial, and entering into the Mount of Olives, the Lord forewarned His disciples that His arrest was near. He also warned that they would be offended (specifically, scandalized, “skandalidzo,” in the Greek, or ensnared) and that they should quickly scatter (Zechariah 13:7). In usual fashion, Peter quickly protests (as do the others), promising constant devotion, but Jesus again foretells Peter’s threefold failure.
Monday – Praying in Gethsemane Matthew 26:36-39; Mark 14:32-36; Luke 22:39-42; John 18:1
Taking His three “inner-circle” disciples, Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and prepare Himself for His ultimate sacrifice. We might think that Jesus was primarily burdened about the impending brutality of crucifixion, but more profoundly, the “sinless One” would soon have laid upon Him the guilt of the entire world’s wicked rebellion and sin. We can barely imagine how this would impact One so pure in heart and mind. During the cross, the Father must withdraw His holy presence from His Son. Into the face of the deepest darkness Jesus now stared.
Tuesday – Angel & Agony: Luke 22:43-44
Some have thought that Jesus’ prayer for deliverance went unanswered by the Father. This isn’t true. While Jesus’ mission and purpose to die for the sins of the world went unchanged, an angel was sent to strengthen (or invigorate) Christ for the task. Theologian and author, Dr. George H. Morrison, wrote, “Every life has its Gethsemane, and every Gethsemane has its angel.” Only Luke writes of the angel, and the searing depth of agony that caused Jesus to sweat so profusely that it was like drops of blood.
Wednesday – Sleeping Disciples: Matthew 26:40-46; Mark 14:37-42; Luke 22:45-46
What some have supposed to be an indifference to Christ’s suffering by Peter, James, and John, is refuted by Luke’s reference that they were “sleeping from sorrow” (Luke 22:45). Overwhelmed by their Lord’s grief and His shocking words, all three are overcome with intense exhaustion. Waking them, Jesus admonished them to remain diligent in watchful prayer, especially in tribulations. That all three fell asleep testifies to the intensity of the hour.
Thursday – Betrayed with a Kiss: Matthew 26:47-50; Mark 14:43-46; Luke 22:47-48; John 18:2-9
The welcoming kiss, like a handshake in Western culture, is a sign of affectionate acceptance. For Judas to use it to betray Jesus was the basest treachery. For Jesus to boldly present Himself shows complete submission to His Father’s will. John records an amazing phenomenon: upon presenting Himself, the entire arresting party fell backward onto the ground!
Friday Not by Sword: Matthew 26:51-56a; Mark 14:47-49; Luke 22:49-53; John 18:10-11
Peter’s brashness appears again! He had been sleeping instead of praying, talking instead of listening, boasting rather than obeying, and here he fought instead of fleeing: When Jesus surrendered, Peter declared war! While we might think his action brave, he was fighting the wrong enemy with the wrong weapon. The real enemy wasn’t flesh and blood, it was invulnerable to natural weapons. Our real battle is a spiritual one (Ephesians 6:12).
Saturday – The Disciples Escape: Matthew 26:56b; Mark 14:50-52
The word “forsook” may leave us with the wrong impression. Jesus had earlier ordered his disciples to flee when the soldiers came to arrest Him. Forsaken can be simply translated, “escaped.” True to prophecy, Jesus’ men were scattered.