JESUS' PASSION
Read it
Luke 22:40-41
And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed.
Discover It
The word “passion” means “overwhelming love.” The word also refers to Jesus suffering and death to pay for the sins of the world. And Jesus’ passion for His children culminated on the Cross. But it began here in Luke 22 as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. For it was here that Jesus decided to go all the way in suffering and dying to pay for our sin. And he made that decision in prayer.
The prayer life of Jesus is one of the most important but one of the most untold attributes of our Savior. Oh, how Jesus prayed! Jesus began his ministry with forty days of prayer and fasting in the wilderness. Before he called his disciples, he spent the night in prayer. And he frequently withdrew from the crowds to spend extended periods of prayer before God the Father. The disciples saw the difference prayer made in Jesus’ life and ministry. So, they did not ask our Lord to teach, preach, heal, or do miracles. They asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
And here in the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before he is to be crucified, here He is again, spending the night in prayer. And we are the beneficiaries as Jesus prayed and decided to give his life for our sins.
Ask It
1. Our Bible verse records that Jesus instructed His disciples to, “pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Why do you think corporate prayer (prayer with other believers) is so helpful?
2. This passage of scripture also states that Jesus “withdrew” from His disciples to pray. Why are times of solitary prayer before God important in the believer’s life?
3. How do you think prayer keeps us from temptation and sin?
4. Our Bible verse states that Jesus “knelt down and prayed.” How does your posture at different times (kneeling, bowing your head, closing your eyes, lifting your hands, looking to heaven, etc.) help you to pray?
Live It
1. PRAY WITH OTHERS – Join a prayer group. Pray with believers in worship services and in your Sunday School class or Small Group. There is power when we pray together!
2. ENGAGE IN PRIVATE PRAYER – Jesus said, “Go in your closet to pray” (Matthew 6:6). Your daily quiet time in scripture and prayer is so important. Like breathing keeps you alive physically, so prayer keeps you alive spiritually.
Pray It
Loving Lord Jesus, thank you for being a God who hears and responds to the prayers of your people. Help me to love you enough to pray. Help me to have faith enough to pray. Teach me, Lord, to pray.