AARON CONRAD

As I sit here tonight reflecting on those moments that led to Calvary, one jumped out at me right away. Matthew 26:36-45 tells the story of Jesus in the garden. Knowing what was soon to happen, Jesus asked three friends to go with him and wait while He prayed. 3 times he returned to find them sleeping. In short, they let Jesus down. Ever been there?

Ever been in the storm of your life and had friends disappoint you?

Ever felt like when you needed them most, they were sleeping on the job?

Ever found yourself caught between frustration and discouragement at the darkest hour?

Jesus did. Here’s what really captures me – Jesus knew they would do it. He knew He would return to find them all asleep. As if He didn’t have enough stress at that moment. He knew it and invited them anyway.

I recently had a friend let me down and I would be lying if I said it wasn’t bothering me. While I am sure I have (and will) let many friends down in my life, I was surprised on this one. When I searched myself, I was curious why it really bothered me. Why was my expectation so high? It hit me that I never invited them to share my storm. I assumed they would be there, but never formally invited them in.

Maybe I expected too much.

Maybe my understanding of our relationship was wrong.

Maybe I am being unfair in my assessment of their lack of response.

I keep coming back to the fact that Jesus knew they would be asleep. He knew they would be catching some “shut eye” while he was literally sweating blood in his fear/emotion/storm.

He knew

He invited them anyway.

Friends are going to let us down. They may even share in the storm only to let us down in the end. They are human. They are still our friends.

We need to invite them anyway…..