Matthew 26:36-45

New International Reader's Version

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

³⁶ Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” ³⁷ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him. He began to be sad and troubled. ³⁸ Then he said to them, “My soul is very sad. I feel close to death. Stay here. Keep watch with me.”

³⁹ He went a little farther. Then he fell with his face to the ground. He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. But let what you want be done, not what I want.”

⁴⁰ Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. ⁴¹ “Watch and pray. Then you won’t fall into sin when you are tempted. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

⁴² Jesus went away a second time. He prayed, “My Father, is it possible for this cup to be taken away? But if I must drink it, may what you want be done.”

⁴³ Then he came back. Again he found them sleeping. They couldn’t keep their eyes open. ⁴⁴ So he left them and went away once more. For the third time he prayed the same thing.

⁴⁵ Then he returned to the disciples. He said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come. The Son of Man is about to be handed over to sinners.