Just Be There
Matthew 26:36 - 40
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there."
37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
38 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me."
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?
For three years, Jesus had walked with the disciples, poured into their lives and been there for them. Now in this time of darkness, when the ruler of this world had come (John 14:30), He wanted them to just be there.
Jesus prayed in agony to the Father, knowing what lay before him and needing the strength of prayer to carry him through the coming ordeal. Yet, in this time of distress, he also longed for the companionship of His friends. He simply wanted them to be with Him. They could not alter what was about to happen. They did not even grasp the poignancy of the moment nor the terror that threatened to overwhelm His soul. Yet He wanted them close; He wanted them to watch and pray. Yes, their prayers would keep them from temptation, so for their sake He urged them, yet He longed to know they were awake and present with Him.
How often has our heart longed for someone to sit by our side, hear our story, or understand our grief? Such moments shroud us in darkness and expose the loneliness of our soul. We know the love and comfort of our Lord, something that we cannot do life without, yet we long for the presence of friends, the companionship of those that will walk this journey with us. This longing is legitimate and seen by the One who prayed alone in the garden.
Jesus, who sought for others to watch and pray, has never ceased doing so for us. This comfort becomes tangible and easy to receive when the arms of friends deliver it. Yet even in solitude, He is there. He knows well the terror of darkness and the loneliness that engulfs our heart. He has walked the valley, and in the process, conquered death. Now, He willingly journeys with us through the hard places and times of turmoil and grief.
Sadly, we often avoid the needy or hold back from those who are grieving, unsure of what to say. Yet our presence holds a message that words do not need to utter. There’s the giving of comfort in the awareness that someone cares. We cannot control circumstances or remove the pain, but we can be there. What Jesus longed for in the garden, we can give to others, and in the process, we unknowingly give it to Him.
Consider:
Do you sometimes feel like you are dealing with things alone? Jesus understands what that feels like and wants to comfort and strengthen you.
What thoughts or inadequacies hold you back from being with those who are hurting, grieving or struggling?
Prayer Prompts:
Jesus, I’m struggling, and I feel so alone. What does my heart need to know?
What lies hold me back from simply being there for others?
Lord, how do You want to use me to reveal Your love and compassion, and to whom?
