Jesus came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”
While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!” Luke 22:39-53
Dear Aunt Elizabeth,
Last night's travel was very rough and scary. I can never tell Momma and Poppa about it but I know you would understand. We had a good rest and Joseph was in good shape to travel, although we both have to go very slowly. He's still very sore. We followed the route that Poppa had set out but then Joseph thought we were being followed. He had us hide among the trees and the brush for a long time. I fell asleep as I rested on the ground waiting. He woke me and told me to be silent and to pray. Men were on the trail, with torches in hand, calling his name. Some of them were the ones who had thrown rocks before. I prayed hard, and could not hold back the tears. They eventually passed by and we made camp for the night where we were.
Today we are resting in Cousin Phyllis' home. She is a widow, as you know, with three lively daughters. They were so happy to see us and joyful when we arrived. It was hard not to be caught up by their enthusiasm. We were fed a royal breakfast and then they sent us to our rest. Joseph told me how scared he was last night, and how grateful he was for my praying. He held me as we talked about the terrors of last night and the challenges of the road ahead. I fell asleep in his arms. I hope he got some sleep as well. We have so many more miles to go.
Keep us in your prayers, Auntie. We need them now more than ever!
love,
Mary
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