As we approach Holy Week, let’s pause before we launch into the plagues on Egypt for a series of meditations on the Stations of the Cross. Traditionally, there are 14, which include events not explicitly mentioned in scripture. However, in 1991, Pope John Paul II presented what are known as the Scriptural Stations of the Cross, and that’s what we’ll follow:

• Station 1: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-41)
• Station 2: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested Matthew 26.47 – 54)
• Station 3: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin (Luke 22: 66-71)
• Station 4: Jesus is Denied by Peter (Matthew 26: 69-75)
• Station 5: Jesus is Judged by Pilate (Mark 15: 1-5, 15)
• Station 6: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns (John 19: 1-3)
• Station 7: Jesus Bears the Cross (John 19: 6, 15-17)
• Station 8: Jesus is Helped by Simon of Cyrene to Carry the Cross (Mark 15: 21)
• Station 9: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem (Luke 23: 27-31)
• Station 10: Jesus is Crucified (Luke 23: 33-34)
• Station 11: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief (Luke 23: 39-43)
• Station 12: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple (John 19: 25-27)
• Station 13: Jesus Dies on the Cross (Luke 23: 44-46)
• Station 14: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb (Matthew 27: 57-60)

I am indebted to Gary Jensen’s book Station to Station for putting me on to this list. I recommend the book.

Today, Station 1: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26.36 – 39, ESV)

The opening scene of Passion of the Christ depicts this event well and ends with a powerful reminder of Genesis 3.15, the first explicit prophecy of the coming Messiah. (It’s a 4-minute video; please take the time to watch it.)

“My soul is sorrowful, even to death,” not just the pain, which would be unimaginable, but bearing sin…all sin by all people for all time. That’s a lot of sin! And how did he prepare for this ordeal? By praying.

And he prayed not to have to do it, but he also prayed, “Not my will but yours.” The same thing we pray in the Lord’s prayer. Except he meant it, knowing what it would cost.

And even though he brought his inner circle to support him, he was alone.

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Matthew 26.40 – 44, ESV)