REFLECTION GUIDE

Illustration

STATION ONE

JESUS IN GETHSEMANE: MARK 14:32-42

Artist statement: “Pressed”

Gethsemane is a place of contrasts: terror and beauty, anguish and comfort, wrestling and surrender, absence and presence. Through color, form, and void, I sought to convey these polarities and reveal Jesus’ solidarity with us in all our places of pressing and sorrow. What challenges or comfort do you find here?

REFLECTION

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.” (Mark 14:32-42)

  • ► Ponder the words that describe Jesus’ emotions in Gethsemane. Does anything surprise you? Challenge you? Comfort you? Why?

  • ► Which details from the scene stir your thoughts, memories, or emotions?

    • ● Are there any particular ways you can identify with Jesus?

    • ● With the disciples?

  • ► Gethsemane means “the oil press” or “the place of pressing oil.” Consider all the ways Jesus is being pressed in this place.

    • ● What gifts do you receive as you watch and pray here?

  • ► What does Jesus model for you in the garden? What do you learn from Jesus as he prays?

  • ► Speak with God about what you have noticed during your time of reflection.