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Jesus was out of options. And he knew it. In a last-ditch effort to get his Father to give him a way out, Jesus went to the garden to pray. Like most of us when we are in dire straits, we don't want to go alone.

In this case, Jesus knew that his betrayer would soon find him. He brought his three most trusted disciples - Peter, James and John - to keep watch for the betrayer. They were tired - they had just eaten a huge meal. The three didn't know how bad things would get - the flogging, the mock trial, the crucifixion. They didn't realize that their best friend was about to engage in the ultimate showdown of good and evil. But they did see Jesus in anguish - but they weren't much comfort to him.

Friday night (before this reading) I thought of how Jesus, in his humanity, experienced every emotion known to us, but could not think of a time when he needed comfort. "Keep watch and pray." Jesus knew the power of prayer. So did Peter, James & John. I think Jesus asked them to come to the garden with him partly out of a need to feel comfort, but instead felt let down more than anyone could know. The guys weren't much help.

Reminds me of all the times I tell someone "I'll be praying for you ... " ... ... but I fail to follow through.