Luke 22:39-40 39And after he went out, he came, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray so not to enter into temptation.”
Another shift takes place in the story at this point. The reality of what was about to happen began to set in. Jesus shows a strong resolve after the Passover meal. The olive grove would be another place of testing for both him and the disciples. Jesus knew what lay ahead, but the disciples were ignorant or at least confused. Jesus and his disciples had been going to the Mount of Olives throughout the week and sleeping there. It served as their camping place. The information about the Mount of Olives was key for Judas’ betrayal since he knew of the exact location. There were only eleven apostles at this point. There is not indicator of more than the eleven, but it is possible that other disciples were present. Luke gives a shorter version of this event than Matthew and Mark. He does not mention that the exact place was called the garden of Gethsemane, but we find out the name in the other Gospels.
The scene in the olive grove focuses on prayer, with Jesus’ call to his disciples to pray so they do not fall into temptation (verses 40 and 46). Prayer is the source of victory over temptation. Jesus modeled prayer to his disciples when he faced the temptation to walk away from the suffering before him. Jesus already taught his disciples about praying to avoid temptation in the Lord’s Prayer in 11:4. All people, including Jesus, face temptation. As long as we live in a fallen world, we will encounter trials, testings, and the pull to compromise our faith or doubt God’s promises. Temptation is especially great during moments of weakness. It has already been a long day and busy week for the group. They were at a vulnerable point. They were not prepared for what lay ahead. They needed to renew their commitments and refocus their faith, otherwise, the coming events would bring temptations to compromise and run away. When we are busy, tired, or facing a new challenge, we must also turn to God as the source of our spiritual strength lest we fall into the trap of discouragement, doubt, denial, or desertion.
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