The Agony
The following Holy Week devotion provides Scriptural texts we can meditate on as a church congregation, in concert with the sermon series each week, to gain a deeper understanding of our sin, a closer look at the beauty of Christ, and the power of the Gospel that saves and redeems.
Scripture
40On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
Meditate
Take a few moments to quietly reflect on this truth.
In the garden, we see the depth of His anguish and the steadiness of His love. Let His faithfulness draw you into a deeper trust and intimacy with God. Fix your eyes on Christ, who drank the cup of wrath we deserved so that we can walk in freedom from the things that tempt us.
Pray
Speak this prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and mind.
Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, into this world to endure the ultimate agony on the cross that we deserve because of our sins and the ways we fall into temptation. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit to live faithfully, empowering us to trust You fully and live faithfully. Amen.
Apply
Consider specific ways you can live out this truth today.
Reflect on one area where you’ve been spiritually asleep or giving in to temptation by neglecting God’s Word. Repent, asking Him to awaken your heart, and share this struggle with a trusted friend for accountability. Pray for His strength to resist temptation and live according to His Word.
Memorize
Carry this truth with you throughout your day.
1…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
