The Last Supper & The Garden

After a long journey and the growing tension of the past few days, the time had come for Jesus to celebrate the Passover with His disciples. They gathered in an upper room, where the weight of the moment was heavy. This wasn’t just any meal—it was the last time Jesus would break bread with His followers before His death. It was a moment to teach them, to prepare them, and to reveal the depth of His love and the cost of what was to come.  

After the meal, Jesus led His disciples to a quiet garden—a place of solitude and prayer. In the garden, the gravity of the moment became even clearer. Jesus, fully aware of His upcoming betrayal and death, wrestled with His own humanity. It was here that He prayed, "Not My will, but Yours be done."  

Matthew 26:26-29, 36-39  

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My body.’ Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’”

Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.’  

Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.’”

The Last Supper was a profound moment where Jesus instituted the act of communion, a practice that would continue to bring believers together to remember His sacrifice. His body, broken for us. His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. This was not just a meal—it was a symbol of His love, a love that would be demonstrated on the cross.  

But after the meal, Jesus went to the garden, where His humanity and divinity met. He faced the agony of what was to come, but He chose- surrender. Even though His soul was overwhelmed with sorrow, He prayed, "Not My will, but Yours be done."Jesus’ surrender was a powerful example of trusting God’s plan, even when it was hard.  

For us, the garden represents a place where we too can surrender our fears, doubts, and desires. Jesus teaches us that surrender isn’t about resignation; it’s about trusting God’s will over our own.  

Reflect

Is there something in your life that you need to surrender to God? Maybe it’s a decision, a relationship, or an area of control that you’re holding onto. Take a moment today to bring it before God, praying, "Not my will, but Yours be done." Choose to trust Him, even when it’s hard or uncertain.  

 Prayer

Jesus, thank You for Your incredible sacrifice and for showing me what true surrender looks like. Help me to follow Your example and trust in God’s plan, even when I don’t understand. I surrender my will to You and ask for the strength to walk in faith. Amen.