Leaning in

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus struggled in prayer. And Christians have struggled with his prayer ever since! What was he praying for? Was his prayer answered? What do we learn about his nature and his character? What is the role of other people in his prayer? Consequently, we ask the same questions about our prayers.  Jesus was, one the hand, engaged in a unique battle that only he could fight. And on the other, he is an example for all of us to follow.  

Yet how Jesus engaged in prayer and what example he set for us isn’t so obvious at first. The text is thick and heavy with context, pathos, and trouble. Jesus faces a challenge unique to him and, at the same time, he represents all human beings in their plight. We are in awe of his courage and his vulnerability.  

What Jesus shows us is how much trust he has in the Father. That’s where he leans in. And I think he wants us to lean in with him, into a place of trust deeper than even death itself.