Maundy Thursday – Jesus Asks ‘Stay with me’

A day of reflection. Jesus implores his disciples to stay with him. To keep watch with him.

The night of Maundy Thursday is the night on which Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus Prays at Gethsemane

Stay With Me -Taize

Jesus Prays at Gethsemane
(Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46)

36At that time Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”

37He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”

39Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

40Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. 41“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

42A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” 43And again Jesus returned and found them sleeping—for their eyes were heavy.

44So He left them and went away once more and prayed a third time, saying the same thing.45Then He returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us go! See, My betrayer is approaching!”

For an opportunity to experience a Moravian Church service and Passion week readings via zoom and YouTube, here is the front page for Home Moravian Church. Holy Days. Holy Week and Easter Sunrise services

Who are the Moravians and why is Easter such an important holiday? For 251 years, the people of Salem have risen before the sun to gather together and experience an Easter sunrise service in God’s Acre cemetery. This and other Moravian traditions have transcended faith to become secular traditions, celebrated by people of all beliefs and values in Winston-Salem. From the advent star and Lovefeast, to candle tea and Moravian sugar cookies, these traditions, based in the Moravian faith, have become cultural and regional celebrations for all.

Wishing you much peace