Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39–46)
Introduction
The Mount of Olives is a place rich in biblical significance. It is where Jesus often retreated for prayer and where he gave the Olivet Discourse. But in Luke 22:39–46, we see a deeply human moment—Jesus, in agony, praying before his arrest. This passage provides an intimate look at his distress, his submission to the Father's will, and the disciples' failure to stay awake with him. Here, we find the weight of impending suffering pressing down on Jesus as he prepares to drink the cup of God's will.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 22:39–46 and Commentary
Luke 22:39
Jesus leaves the upper room and heads to the Mount of Olives, a place he visited often with his disciples. The fact that he went there "as was his custom" suggests that this was a familiar retreat for him, making it an obvious place for Judas to find him. The Mount of Olives had been a place of solace, but now it has become a place of sorrow.
This moment parallels David’s experience in 2 Samuel 15:30, where he weeps on the Mount of Olives while fleeing from Absalom. Both David and Jesus face betrayal from those close to them. The location itself becomes a symbol of anguish and faithfulness in the midst of suffering.
By choosing this place, Jesus does not hide from what is to come. He knows Judas will arrive soon, yet He remains in full control of the situation. His steps toward the Mount of Olives are steps toward His crucifixion, taken willingly.
One a place of prayer and solace, the Mount of Olives becomes a place of treachery and denial.
Luke 22:40
Upon reaching the garden, Jesus instructs the disciples to pray so they will not fall into temptation. This warning is significant, as they are about to face a severe trial—one that will reveal their weakness.
The command to pray echoes the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11:4, where Jesus teaches them to ask, "Do not bring us to the time of trial." This moment is a test, and Jesus calls them to spiritual vigilance. However, as we see later, they fail to remain watchful.
Jesus' concern is not just for himself but for his disciples. He knows their faith will be shaken when he is arrested. His warning is an act of grace, urging them to prepare spiritually for what is coming.
Luke 22:41
Jesus withdraws from them "about a stone’s throw" and kneels to pray. This posture is significant—kneeling was not the typical Jewish posture for prayer, which was usually standing. The act of kneeling underscores the intensity of his distress.
Jesus joined others in standing for prayer 3 times a day. The prayer is called the Amidah. The Lord’s Prayer is a summarization of the Amidah.
This moment fulfills Isaiah 53:3, where the Suffering Servant is described as "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." Jesus is entering into the depths of human suffering, bearing the emotional and spiritual weight of what is to come.
His solitude here is also notable. Though he is physically near the disciples, he faces this agony alone. This foreshadows the complete abandonment he will experience on the cross.
Luke 22:42
Jesus prays, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but Yours be done." This is one of the most profound statements in Scripture. The "cup" represents God's wrath and judgment (Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17). Jesus, in his humanity, expresses a desire to avoid the suffering ahead, yet he ultimately submits to the Father’s will.
This prayer reveals both the depth of his anguish and his perfect obedience. He does not rebel against God's plan but acknowledges the immense cost of what he is about to endure. The contrast between his will and the Father’s highlights the weight of this moment.
By submitting to the Father, Jesus reverses the failure of Adam in the Garden of Eden. Where Adam disobeyed and brought death, Jesus obeys and brings salvation.
Luke 22:43
An angel appears from heaven to strengthen him. This divine intervention is a striking moment—God does not remove the suffering but provides strength to endure it.
This recalls how angels ministered to Jesus after his temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11). Even in the darkest hour, God provides what is needed, demonstrating that divine help does not always come in the form of escape but in the strength to persevere.
The presence of an angel also confirms the cosmic significance of this event. Jesus is not just facing human suffering; He is engaging in a spiritual battle of eternal consequence.
Luke 22:44
Jesus is in such agony that his sweat becomes like drops of blood falling to the ground. This description suggests hematidrosis, a rare medical condition where extreme stress causes blood vessels to rupture, mixing blood with sweat.
The intensity of his distress is unparalleled. He is not just anticipating physical pain but bearing the weight of divine wrath. This moment fulfills Isaiah 53:10—"it was the will of the Lord to crush him." The crushing begins here, in the garden.
His suffering is also contrasted with the disciples' sleep. While he suffers, they slumber, showing the gap between his readiness and their weakness. The burden he carries is one only he can bear.
Luke 22:45
Jesus rises from prayer and finds the disciples sleeping, "exhausted from grief." Their sorrow is real, but instead of turning to prayer as Jesus instructed, they succumb to weariness.
This highlights the frailty of human nature. Even those closest to Jesus fail to grasp the gravity of the moment. Their exhaustion is understandable, but it also reveals their spiritual unpreparedness.
This moment foreshadows Peter’s denial. If he cannot stay awake and pray now, how will he stand firm when confronted by the crowd? Their physical sleep mirrors their spiritual vulnerability.
This passage, when preached, can provide great guidance and prayer. At the end of my sermon, “The Hope of Our Prayer,” I talk about how Jesus joins us in our own suffering, when we go to the Garden of Gethsemane and ask God for help.
Luke 22:46
Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation." His words echo his earlier warning, showing that the time for preparation is slipping away.
This final exhortation emphasizes the urgency of prayer. The moment of trial has arrived—Judas and the soldiers are coming. Yet, the disciples remain unaware of how drastically their world is about to change. Often we are unaware of the world’s changing or the momentum of evil until it appears right in front of our face
Jesus’ call to prayer is a call to spiritual readiness. While the disciples fail, his obedience stands firm. In this, he models how to face suffering—with dependence on the Father.
Meaning for Today
This passage reminds us of the necessity of prayer in times of trial. Jesus, though divine, sought strength through prayer. How much more do we need to be vigilant in prayer?
It also highlights the contrast between Jesus’ obedience and our tendency to falter. The disciples' failure is a warning—spiritual readiness does not come from good intentions alone but from persistent prayer and dependence on God.
Finally, this moment foreshadows the cross. Jesus willingly drinks the cup of suffering so we might be saved. His submission to the Father’s will is the foundation of our redemption.
FAQ
Where is the Mount of Olives? The Mount of Olives is located east of Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley. It has a significant biblical history, serving as the site of Jesus' teaching, prayer, and ascension.
Did Jesus really sweat drops of blood? Luke 22:44 describes Jesus' sweat as "like drops of blood." This may refer to hematidrosis, a rare condition caused by extreme stress, though some scholars see it as a metaphor for intense anguish.
What happened at the Mount of Olives in the Bible? The Mount of Olives is where Jesus prayed before His arrest, taught the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25), and later ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9–12).
