The Benefit of Community
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” - Matthew 26:36-38
We’ve been thinking about suffering the past week or so, and this is the scene we looked at yesterday in the sermon. Jesus definitely suffered, and here he gives keen insights into one of the (few) ways to suffer well: by initing others to share the burden with you.
Jesus 1) invites the group of disciples to be with him in the garden 2) invites his closer friends to be even closer than that with him - into his more personal space 3) he shares with them his pain 4) he specifically asks for what he wants and needs.
Look back through that list and think about the hardship you’re facing in your life.
Would it be good to invite your broad group of friends into your struggle?
Would it be wise to invite your closest friends all the way in?
Are you willing to share your pain with those closest to you?
Do you have clarity to know what you want and need in this season?
Each of those steps takes real courage. Talk with Jesus about having the courage you need to step into community the way he did when he faced hardship.