Mark 14:31-35

Mark 14:31 (KJB)
But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

Despite the specific prophecy that Jesus gives Peter concerning his upcoming denial, Peter does not accept what the Lord says and continues to claim that he will die with Jesus. The word “vehemently” in the Greek carries with it the meaning of “an increase in force and repetition.” Peter did not understand the strength of the Spirit coupled with the weakness of the flesh. Fear will come upon him in a few hours and he will totally deny the Lord, in fact he will even start cursing to show that he is not connected to Jesus. Peter was not the only one who declared his allegiance but all the disciples stated that they would die with Jesus and not deny Him. They too did not understand that what was happening was a fulfillment of Zechariah 13:7 and therefore the Scripture could not be broken.

Mark 14:32 (KJB)
And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

The Garden of Gethsemane was probably located at the foot of the Mount of Olives. The name “Gethsemane” means either “Olive Oil Press” or “Oil Valley.” It was also about ¾ mile (1.2 km) east of Jerusalem. The exact spot is not known because when Titus came in 70 A.D. to destroy Jerusalem, he had all the trees surrounding Jerusalem cut down to prevent escapes and bringing in supplies. (Luke 22:39 KJV) And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. According to Luke, the Garden is where Jesus went to pray many times and it was this routine that caused Judas to know exactly where Jesus would be. Tonight would be no different as they went to the Garden and Jesus went to pray. He separated Himself from the disciples by a few yards and then began to pray.

Mark 14:33 (KJB)
And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

Just as Peter, James, and John were witnesses of the glory of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, they would now be witnesses to the agony of Jesus. When Jesus began to pray, He already began to experience His suffering. As He prayed He was in a saddened state and was also deeply depressed because soon He would soon experience two things He never previously did, from all throughout eternity. 1) He would be taking on all the sins of the Elect. (2 Cor 5:21 KJV) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2) He had never experienced being separated or forsaken by His Father. (Mat 27:46 KJV) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Mark 14:34 (KJB)
And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

Sorrowful - Very sad, deeply grieved, or anguished

The saying to be “sorrowful unto death” meant that a person was so sorrowful that it would be better that they were dead. This did not mean that Jesus was speaking about suicide but that His soul was in sorrow to the point of death. Jesus wanted Peter, James, and John to bear witness to the prayer which He was going to pray. Jesus was experiencing human emotions but these were the type which He would experience before His crucifixion. Jesus wanted these three disciples to watch with Him because the hour was fast approaching when He would bear the sins of many. (Mat 12:40 KJV) For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. This was the first night as He began to start suffering.

Mark 14:35 (KJB)
And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

Just as Moses in Exodus 19 and Abraham in Genesis 22 , Jesus now separated Himself from the disciples. He then fell on His face and prayed. To fall on the ground is an expression of humility in prayer as both knees and face touch the ground. The term “hour” was the term used by Jesus which would encompass His arrest, trial, and death.” Jesus had continued to pray with such fervor that His sweat was as drops of blood. (Luke 22:44 KJV) And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When Jesus had prayed asking that the hour might pass from Him, He was in no way wavering in His commitment to do what he came to do. (John 12:27 KJV) Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

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