Getting ready for it to go down

In this passage Jesus goes to the garden of Gethsemane on the mount of olives to pray in preparation for His betrayal and crucifixion. As you can see the passage in John isn't identical to the others (you should also note that we jumped from John 13 to John 17. I wasn't sure how to call this as the intervening passages were lots of prayer by Jesus for the Disciples that they would be ready for the challenge ahead & know that the Holy Spirit would always be there to help them. Matthew, Mark, and Luke cover the fervent prayers of Jesus as He asks God to take this death away from Him, if there is another way to save us. Unfortunately there isn't (but hey it doesn't hurt to ask right) I think the things that we can learn from this are.

Jesus showed fear - we shouldn't be afraid to do the same.

Pray for what you want - ask for what God wants.

Finding out you're gonna be a loser

In this passage Jesus predicts that Peter will betray him and disown Him 3 times the gospels differ over the exact number of times that the cock will crow - but does it really matter? Either 3 or 1 crows the net effect it that Peter will be kicking himself by morning. In the Luke passage Jesus tells them they need to arm themselves (kinda blows away the Christians are pacifists thing). He does however say that 2 (swords) are enough - if you want to read between the lines 16.6% of us should therefore be armed. Personally though thinking like that is just silly. I personally believe that if God wants you to know something in His word he will spell it out for you - and if it's really important he'll repeat it a few times too. All that "secrets of the Bible code" stuff, is pointless as far as I am concerned.

The Last Supper

Here is another famous passage. Which probably invokes the above image in your mind (although it is more likely that they were sitting on the floor, and not having the "TV family" dinner where only 3 sides of the table are used so that the camera has a good angle

Points of note:

Jesus tells them they will find the location in much the same manner that they found the donkey - available and no questions asked. This being the Passover is pretty miraculous as all the taverns in Jerusalem would have been packed with people their for the celebrations.

Jesus tells them one of them is going to betray Him, they all (including Judas) ask Him if it is themselves.

Jesus starts the practice of communion by breaking the bread and sharing it along with the wine as his "flesh & blood".

Judas plans the betrayal of Jesus

Judas goes to the chief priests to offer them Jesus on a platter. The priests are very excited by this offer as it means they can avoid a public confrontation (remember that Jesus Had entered the city the same week and had been honoured by the people).

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

This is when Jesus has expensive perfume poured on Him by a woman, and is chastised by the disciples for it. Jesus tells them to chill, as the poor will always be available to bless - but He has a limited time here before He is gone.

Jesus Grieves over Jerusalem

This is interesting as I notice that a couple of times now quotes from Jesus appear out of order - This one where he quotes Psalm 118:26 is quoted a year apart from Each other - I guess this can be allowed as they both occur at passover in Jerusalem. In this passge Jesus talks of his love for the people, and wanting to take care of them. I am not entirely sure what the part about "not seeing me again" exactly means - maybe you can let me know.

On a almost unrelated note have you noticed how many cool quotes come out of Psalm 118?

1. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

5. In my distress I prayed to the LORD,
and the LORD answered me and rescued me.

6. The LORD is for me, so I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?

8. It is better to trust the LORD
than to put confidence in people.

14. The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my victory.

21. I thank you for answering my prayer
and saving me!

22. The stone rejected by the builders
has now become the cornerstone.

24. This is the day the LORD has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

26. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD.
We bless you from the house of the LORD.

28. You are my God, and I will praise you!
You are my God, and I will exalt you!

How many of those are quoted in songs & hymns!!