Matthew 26:36 to 26:46 Even when things were very difficult, Jesus chose to obey God the Father because of his great love for us. See how Jesus went to a quiet olive garden called Gethsemane to pray. Discover Jesus' faithful prayer: 'Not as I will, but as you will.' Learn to talk to God in prayer whenever we feel scared or sad. Under the silver leaves of ancient olive trees in Gethsemane, Jesus faced the crushing weight of the cross, choosing prayer and total surrender to the Father's will. Under the Olive Trees Late at night after the Last Supper, Jesus walked with his disciples across the Kidron Valley to an olive grove called Gethsemane. Jesus knew that the hour of his suffering had come, and his soul was deeply sorrowful. He asked [Peter](/bible/explorer/person/peter), James, and John to stay awake and watch with him while he went a little further into the quiet garden to pray. Not My Will, But Yours Falling on his knees with his face to the ground, Jesus poured out his heart to God: 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.' Jesus knew how painful the cross would be, carrying the sins of the whole world. Yet he trusted his Father completely and chose obedience over comfort. Sleeping Friends and a Faithful Savior When Jesus returned to his three disciples, he found them fast asleep because of sorrow. He gently woke them saying, 'Could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.' Three times Jesus prayed that same prayer of surrender. God sent an angel to strengthen him. Jesus stood up ready, courageous, and full of peace, ready to give his life for us. Not as I will, but as you will. Matthew 26:39 What was the name of the garden where Jesus prayed late at night? Gethsemane Eden Babylon Nazareth Gethsemane Matthew 26:36 records that Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. What were the disciples doing while Jesus was praying in deep sorrow? Sleeping because they were tired Singing songs Writing notes Cooking breakfast Sleeping because they were tired The disciples grew heavy with sorrow and fell asleep while Jesus prayed. What did Jesus pray about his Father's will? Not as I will, but as you will Give me whatever I want right now I refuse to obey Let me run away to another land Not as I will, but as you will Jesus demonstrated perfect obedience by surrendering his human desires to the Father's will. Whenever you feel worried or sad this week, fold your hands and pray: 'Father, help me trust you and do what is right.' Father in heaven, thank you that Jesus was obedient to your will even when it was painful and hard. When I feel afraid or do not want to obey, give me a willing heart like Jesus. Help me trust that your way is always best. In Jesus' name, Amen. Why is it sometimes hard to say 'not my will, but yours' to God or to our parents? How does knowing that Jesus prayed when he was sorrowful help you when you feel sad? Early readers learn that Jesus submitted completely to the Father's will in prayer, demonstrating perfect obedience and love. Show a picture of an olive tree or an olive oil bottle. Explain that 'Gethsemane' means oil press, where olives were crushed to produce precious oil, just as Jesus was willing to be crushed for us. Why didn't Jesus just run away from the soldiers? Jesus chose to stay because he loved his Father and loved us! If Jesus had run away, our sins could never have been forgiven. 5 min Olive Press Hook, 15 min Story Time, 10 min Memory Verse Repetition, 10 min Discussion, 5 min Prayer