Down to Earth: Jesus experienced overwhelming feelings like loneliness and stress
Matthew 26:31-35 | On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.
What promise did the disciples make to Jesus? Did they keep it?
How do you think Jesus felt knowing that when he needed them most, his friends would abandon him?
Do you ever feel alone or lonely? When? How does it make you feel? Do you think Jesus can relate?
Luke 22:41-46 | He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”
How was Jesus feeling before his betrayal?
Have you ever felt stressed and overwhelmed like Jesus in the garden? When?
What can you learn from Jesus’ response to his emotions?