Jesus talks to his followers frankly about his death. About how his time is not forever with them, but soon to come to an end. What a terrible prospect this must have felt to the disciples around Jesus. They’d heard him speak: they’d seen his miracles: they’d shared his truth with others and devoted their lives to his cause. They were enjoying a good thing – and don’t we all want to hold on to that?
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayers strengthened him to accept God’s will the cup He wanted to be taken away was not. But through Prayer, he was able to go ahead to face his trial and crucifixion, and even with all the challenges of desertion, denial and betrayal from his disciples, he still led them out of that garden towards his destiny.