Sleeping it Off

Lenten Devotional Series Day 43.  Today’s meditation is on the Garden of Gethsemane in Mark 13:32-42.

Do you know someone who suffers from chronic pain- whether emotional or physical?  If so, how have you responded to them?

When we observe suffering in others, our instincts tell us to avoid it.  Why?  We are driven to ensure a pain-free life for ourselves.  An experienced counselor once told me that when a husband and wife experience prolonged marital conflict, their friends tend to “stay away in droves.”  When a married couple is most vulnerable, their supporters become scarce.  We are masters at dodging the problems of others, because we don’t want their agony attaching itself to us.

We can observe the same sociological phenomena in the life of Jesus.  When the Messiah King rides a coal into Jerusalem with the political wind at his back, he is swamped with people who want a piece of the action.  But when he is hunted and vulnerable in Gethsemane, even his closest supporters avoid him by sleeping.

Before Laura gave birth to our oldest child, she experienced an entire night of agonizing labor with very little progress.  I tried to stay awake with her, but it was extremely difficult.  She was in great pain, and I tried to empathize, to help, to offer solutions, but I couldn’t really take away her suffering.  So I fell asleep on the couch as she paced the apartment, because it was easier to sleep than to suffer next to her.   I am not proud of that selfish moment.

In Gethsemane, Jesus suffers, and Peter avoids suffering.  Jesus pleaded with his friends: “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch” (Mk 14:34).  Jesus is crying out for merciful companions who will help him face the darkness.  Please stay with me.  Comfort me by shouldering my unsolvable and enduring pain. But Peter, along with James and John, continued to nod off. Sleeping was Peter’s anesthesia.   Jesus experiences agony, but Peter avoided the agony by napping.

What is our alternative to following Peter’s example?  Why, it’s Jesus.  Before, during, and after his suffering on the cross, Jesus closely identifies himself with people who are suffering.   Though he is crowned with glory and honor, he does not avoid our pain, trials, and agony, but draws near to us as our sympathetic high priest (Heb 2:9, Heb 4:14-5:10).

Is there someone in your life who is currently suffering pain of some kind?  When they tell you about their suffering, do you immediately try to problem-solve?  Do you avoid them once you realize their pain will not quickly pass?  Are you willing to simply suffer with them, or will you choose the path of anesthesia and pain avoidance?

When we follow Jesus down the narrow road of discipleship, he teaches us to stay awake with the people who cannot sleep.

Today in prayer, begin with the collect of the day (see below).  Then, ask the Lord to point out 1-2 people in your life whose suffering you have avoided, and to give you the capacity to share their pain in love.  Spend time praying for our brothers and sisters who are persecuted for their faith.  Then, end with the Lord’s Prayer.

The Collect of the DayAlmighty and everlasting God, in your tender love towards mankind, you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our human nature and to suffer death upon the cross, so that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of his patient suffering and also be made partners in his resurrection, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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