Read Luke 22:39-46

“When he arrived, he said to them, ‘Pray that you won’t give into temptation.’” -Luke 22:40

Jesus knew that it would be difficult for his disciples. He had tried to prepare them for what was about to happen. He had even given them a meal by which to remember him once he was gone…an indication that he would, in fact, soon be gone.  

It is remarkable that, while his arrest and crucifixion were fast approaching, Jesus thought first of his disciples and how they would handle their uncertain future. Before going off to pray for himself in the garden, he first encourages them: “Pray that you won’t give into temptation.” 

He knew what they would face. Suspicions would be raised about their connections to him. In a frenzy, the crowd might decide to go after them as well as him. In fear, they would be tempted to abandon all that they had learned from him. They would be tempted to deny him. They would be tempted to give up on The Way.  

Every day, we are faced with situations that challenge our allegiance. Choices confront us with the decision to follow Jesus or abandon him. Pray that the Spirit of Christ will be at work in you, so that you might not give into temptation, but fulfill all that God has in mind to do through you. 

What is the greatest threat/challenge to your full obedience to God’s will for your life?

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McKenzie, Scott and Miller, Kristine. The Journey Begins. Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 2013.