Community and Suffering

In these passages, Jesus gives us an example of how we can work through our seasons of suffering. I often find myself wanting to bury my head in the sand and ignore my situation. I’m hoping that something I’m dreading won’t come to pass if I don’t acknowledge it.

In this passage, Jesus invites us to do the most courageous thing a person could do in the face of great difficulty: bring our baggage to Him in a posture of surrender and trust. Admittedly, much easier said than done! Notice that Jesus didn’t sneak out to the garden in the middle of the night alone. He brought along some friends to watch His back physically and spiritually. By nature, pain and suffering are isolating. They lock us in a place that tells us we are alone and no one can understand.

Granted, in this case, the disciples weren’t the best example of friends who contend with someone in need. However, Jesus is still reminding us that community isn’t just about celebrating the best of times. It also provides a foundation for us to stand and face the worst of times.

Think: How do you think the disciples should have reacted in this story? What do you learn from this passage about how to deal with suffering?

Pray: Do you have worries or anxieties you haven’t yet brought to God in prayer? Spend some time reflecting on how you might approach His throne and lay down your burdens at His feet.

Respond: There are seasons where, instead of facing difficulty, we are called upon to be part of the supporting cast. In the past, how well do you think you played your role? Were you like the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane? What can you do in the future (or even right now) to support the people you love as they work through their difficulties with the Lord?

Author: Natalie Wang, B4Church Member + Student