Matthew 26:36-46

Contemporary English Version

Jesus Prays

(Mark 14.32-42; Luke 22.39-46)

³⁶ Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. When they got there, he told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”

³⁷ Jesus took along Peter and the two brothers, James and John.^[a] He was very sad and troubled, ³⁸ and he said to them, “I am so sad that I feel as if I am dying. Stay here and keep awake with me.”

³⁹ Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, don't make me suffer by drinking from this cup.^[b] But do what you want, and not what I want.”

⁴⁰ He came back and found his disciples sleeping. So he said to Peter, “Can't any of you stay awake with me for just one hour? ⁴¹ Stay awake and pray that you won't be tested. You want to do what is right, but you are weak.”

⁴² Again Jesus went to pray and said, “My Father, if there is no other way, and I must suffer, I will still do what you want.”

⁴³ Jesus came back and found them sleeping again. They simply could not keep their eyes open. ⁴⁴ He left them and prayed the same prayer once more.

⁴⁵ Finally, Jesus returned to his disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting?^[c] The time has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to sinners. ⁴⁶ Get up! Let's go. The one who will betray me is already here.”