Slices
Prepare
Today we read one of the most sacred portions of scripture, where, in facing the cross, the humanity of Jesus is fully revealed. How do you feel when you are called to make costly decisions? Nervous? Anxious? Afraid?
Bible passage
Gethsemane
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. 41 ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’
42 He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.’
43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!’
Explore
Notice the depth of feeling in Jesus as they enter Gethsemane – he is sorrowful, troubled and overwhelmed (vs 37,38). Does this surprise you? Would you expect him to be more self-contained, more in control of his emotions? His humanity is real and he is struggling with all that is ahead of him.
‘Watch with me’ (v 38) reflects his acute need of companionship. We are not made to be alone in trouble, and it is not a sign of weakness to ask for others to be with us as we face various trials. Remember you do not need to be isolated in your pain or struggle. Ask for help. People will not think less of you.
Sadly, his disciples – even the inner group of Peter, James and John – are unable to offer the support he needs. They are exhausted and cannot stay awake (vs 40–45). With great resolve, Jesus offers himself to God on our behalf, praying, ‘not as I will, but as you will’ (v 39). Amazing love!
Respond
‘The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak’ (v 41). What do you think this means? How do you see this struggle in your own life? Ask God to strengthen you in the places where you are weakest and pray for others who struggle.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Deuteronomy 23,24; Romans 5
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for those who will be attending the Kestrels sailing holiday that begins over the Easter weekend. Pray for good sailing weather, positive relationships between team and guests and profitable conversations about Jesus.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
