Trusting Prayer

Matthew 26:36-46

The Big Idea

You can bring hard feelings honestly to God and keep trusting him, even when you do not understand what is coming.

The Bible Story

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

Matthew 26:36–46 tells how Jesus came to Gethsemane with his disciples and went to pray. He was sorrowful and troubled, and he asked some disciples to remain and watch with him. Jesus prayed to his Father about the cup, asking that it pass from him if possible, while submitting to his Father’s will. He returned and found the disciples sleeping, then urged them to watch and pray because the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Jesus prayed again, and later a third time, saying the same thing. The disciples continued sleeping because their eyes were heavy. This passage shows Jesus bringing deep sorrow honestly to God while continuing in trusting prayer. It also shows human weakness and the call to watchfulness. The account ends with Jesus saying that the hour was near and that his betrayer was approaching; it does not include the arrest or later events.

Themes

Deep sorrow and distress Human weakness and sleep Prayer Submission to the Father’s will The approaching hour of betrayal Watchfulness

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Jesus goes away from the disciples and prays a second time concerning the cup, submitting to his Father’s will. The scene should remain calm and reverent, with no attempt to depict the Father as a human figure.

Talk together

Talk about it

What does Jesus show us about praying when we feel troubled?
How can you practice watchfulness and prayer?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page with Matthew 26:36–46 when teaching about prayer, trust, watchfulness, and human weakness. Invite children to notice that Jesus prayed repeatedly and submitted to his Father’s will. Keep discussion gentle and age-appropriate, especially when mentioning the approaching difficult event.

Source note