Scripture to Read: Luke 22:39–46
Jesus then led His disciples out of the upper room and proceeded to the Mount of Olives. God had Luke record this in Luke 22:39–46, 39 And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. 40 When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43 Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. 45 When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, 46 and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Jesus went to pray, and He led His disciples to pray so temptation wouldn’t overtake them. Jesus didn’t encourage them to pray so they wouldn’t be tempted but so they wouldn’t give in to temptation. As we pray, the Holy Spirit is in us, and we never face a temptation too great since God dwells in us (1 Corinthians 10:13). Jesus asked the Father if there was another way but also fully submitted to the Father’s decision. Jesus desired the cup be removed, but He surrendered His desires if the Father’s will differed.
Challenge & Application
Why should we pray daily, and sometimes many times during the day, based on what God taught you today?
Asking God for something we desire may not be wrong, but why must we always submit to the Father’s perfect will as Jesus did?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!