THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES (a) My soul is...

Explanation

A. JESUS' AGONY AND ARREST IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE (MATTHEW 26:36-56)

i. Jesus and his disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray.

ii. He took with him Peter, James and John (member of his inner circle) to another place, leaving the rest behind.

iii. Jesus then left the three and went further to pray alone.

iv. He became greatly distressed and made the above statement.

v. He then went a little farther on and fell t? the ground to pray, saying my father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; neverthless God's will should be done

vi. This prayer shows the profound humanity of Jesus and his resolute courage and submission to the will of God.

vii. The cup in this context is a symbol or deep sorrow and suffering.

viii. Jesus came back to the three, Peter, James and John found them sleeping and he asked Peter whether they could not watch with him for one hour.

ix. Jesus then told them to watch and pray so that they would not enter into temptation.

x. He said the spirit is willing but the body is weak.

xi. This means that though the disciples had the best of intentions, the weakness of the flesh failed them.

xii. Again, for the second time, Jesus went away to pray and he again asked that if it was possible the cup should pass by him.

xii. Jesus came back and found the three disciples asleep again

xiv. Jesus left them and went to pray for the third time and he came back to meet the disciples still asleep.

xv. He asked them whether they were still sleeping and taking their rest.

Xvi. Jesus then told them that the hour was at hand and the Son of Man would be betrayed into the hands of sinners.

xvi. He made them aware that the betrayer was at hand so they should get ready to go.

xvii. As Jesus was speaking,. Judas Iscariot led a crowd with swords and clubs to arrest him.

xix. But one of these who stood by drew his sword and cut the ear of the high priest's slave but Jesus restrained him.

xx. The crowd then arrested Jesus after Judas had kissed him.

xxi. They led Him to the high priest's house, for the Jewish trial.

B. WAYS BY WHICH ONE GOING THROUGH CHALLENGES CAN BE ASSISTED

i. Visiting the one going through the challenges.

ii. Praying with the person having the problem.

iii. Assisting the person in cash or in-kind when necessary/ sharing your resources with him or her.

iv. Counselling the victim/ providing advice.

v. Relocating the victim/ changing victim's environment.

vi. Seeking redress/justice.

vii. Speaking on their behalf advocacy.

vii. Encouraging the person to trust in God.

ix. Show love/empathy.