DJD101 - Talking to a Friend

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Scripture: 
Hebrews 5:7-8

Starting Question:

Can you remember a time when you really needed to talk about something? Tell that story.

Talking to a Friend

The night before Jesus went to the cross was, perhaps, more difficult for Him than the nails, the crown of thorns or the mocking crowd. The night before was so quiet.

You know what it's like when things are too quiet. There's something you are supposed to do but it seems too big to even think about. So, you sit in silence and try to think about something else.

Jesus couldn't think about anything else. He knew this was the plan. He was going to be beaten, crucified and die so the people He loved could be set free. He knew all about it. And, this is what He wanted.

But now, kneeling silently in the dark in the Garden of Gethsemane, He thought about the tomorrow He wished He didn't know in every detail. And He felt so alone.

He had friends with Him in the Garden. But only one of the friends was still awake. The other three - Peter, James and John - had fallen asleep. So Jesus talked to the friend who was still awake.

Jesus prayed. He talked to His Father and asked if there were any other way to save people. Maybe God had thought of something new while Jesus was down on Earth teaching, healing, loving and caring for people. "If there is another way to drink this bitterness, show me!"

But there wasn't. And Jesus knew it. He also knew that tomorrow was going to bring everything into balance. Death and life. Sin and salvation. Lost and found. Jesus knew all this. And He was excited.

But He was also scared. So, He prayed. He talked to His Father like He was talking to a friend. Because they were friends. And God never falls asleep when you need to talk. So Jesus talked. He poured out His heart.

And in that time of deep prayer, Jesus was reminded who He was and who He would be known to be because of tomorrow.

Reflection Question:

Does this story make you happy or sad? or both? Why?

Prayer time:
Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today?

Further Reading:
The Desire of Ages, 419-421