5 Critical Lessons in Emotional from Jesus’ Disciples During Holy Week

After the meal, they sang a hymn and went to a familiar place to pray. 

The joy from Jesus’s triumphant entry diminished. Replaying the religious leaders’ attacks against Him, cleaning the Temple of dishonest money changers, and denouncing the Pharisees‘ envy and hypocrisy only increased the tensions. Even the innocent voices of children shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David” in the Temple provoked the ire of the Pharisees and chief priests.  

Jesus urged them to stay alert and pray, knowing the critical moments of impending crucifixion. Handpicking Peter, James, and John to accompany Him, Jesus confided, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matthew 26:38). Seeing Jesus overwhelmed with sorrow, their devastation grew, and their emotions intensified.

Upon His return from prayer, Jesus found the disciples fast asleep. Although Peter boasted he would never deny Jesus, Jesus asked Peter why he couldn’t watch and pray to avoid the temptation of a willing spirit but weak flesh (Matthew 26:41).  

Upon finding them asleep for the third time, failing to understand the significance of that critical night, Jesus conveyed that His hour had come—the betrayer was approaching.

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