In the Garden of Gethsemane
Mark 14:32 -52
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and
Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray."
33 He took Peter, James and John along with
him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.
34 "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to
the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and
keep watch."
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the
ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.
36 "Abba, Father," he said,
"everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet
not what I will, but what you will."
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found
them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you
asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?
38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall
into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is
weak."
39 Once more he went away and prayed the same
thing.
40 When he came back, he again found them
sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what
to say to him.
41 Returning the third time, he said to them,
"Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has
come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my
betrayer!"
43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the
Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and
clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and
the elders.
44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with
them "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him
away under guard."
45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said,
"Rabbi!" and kissed him.
46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him.
47 Then one of those standing near drew his
sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his
ear.
48 "Am I leading a rebellion," said
Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to
capture me?
49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the
temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must
be fulfilled."
50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.
51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen
garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him,
52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
Questions and Activities
Section A
- Think of a time when you had a difficult decision to
make. Describe it briefly. What happened?
Section B
Read the Gethsemane story carefully. Then
answer these stories carefully.
- What had taken place just before these events
- What was Jesus struggling with in his prayer?
- Why did Jesus rebuke (tell off) the disciples?
- How did Judas identify Jesus to the Romans?
- What did Jesus say when a fight started?
- Who do people think that the young man is?
Section C
- Rewrite the Story in the form of a playscript. As far as
possible, use words from the Bible story.
Section D
- What do you think the story tells us about Jesus? Give
several reasons for what you say, quoting from the
passage.
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