Congregation Study for May 25 to 31, 2026

Jesus and the apostles went to the Mount of Olives and passed through the Kidron Valley. It was after midnight and there was a full moon. When they arrived at the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told them: “Stay here and keep on the watch.” Then Jesus went a little way off from them and knelt down. He felt deeply distressed and prayed to Jehovah: “Let your will take place.” Then Jehovah sent an angel to strengthen him. After that, Jesus returned to where three of his apostles were and found them asleep. So he told them: “Wake up! This is no time to sleep. The hour has come for me to be handed over to my enemies.”

Immediately Judas arrived with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs. He knew where to find Jesus because he had gone to that garden many times with him and the apostles. Judas had told the soldiers that he would show them who Jesus was. He went straight to Jesus and said: “Greetings, Rabbi,” and kissed him. Jesus said to him: “Judas, are you betraying the Son of man with a kiss?”

Jesus stepped forward and asked the men: “Whom are you looking for?” They said: “Jesus the Nazarene.” He replied: “I am he.” They drew back and fell to the ground. Jesus asked them again: “Whom are you looking for?” And again they answered: “Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus said: “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.”

When Peter realized what was happening, he drew a sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the slave of the high priest. But Jesus touched the man’s ear and healed him. Then he told Peter: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword.” The soldiers seized Jesus and tied his hands, and the apostles fled. Then the crowd led Jesus to Annas the chief priest. He questioned Jesus and sent him to the house of the high priest, Caiaphas. But what happened to the apostles?

Several dramatic events took place in Gethsemane. First, we see that Jesus felt deeply distressed and withdrew to seek his Father’s support through very intense prayer. Even while he was suffering greatly, his apostles fell asleep. Soon afterward, Judas arrived with an armed crowd and betrayed Jesus with a kiss so that the soldiers would know whom to arrest.

Another very striking event there was the courage Jesus showed. When the soldiers arrived, he stepped forward to identify himself and asked that his apostles be allowed to go free in order to protect them. We also see Peter’s impulsive reaction when he cut off Malchus’ ear, but Jesus calmed the situation, healed the man, and allowed himself to be arrested peacefully so that Jehovah’s will could be carried out.

When we analyze this account, we see that Jehovah answered his Son’s prayer immediately by sending an angel to strengthen him. This helps us sense the intense spiritual pressure in the garden. In spite of the disciples’ tiredness and Judas’ betrayal, Jesus remained firm and completely determined to fulfill his earthly assignment.

We learn a very valuable lesson about submission to Jehovah’s sovereignty. When Jesus prayed, “Let your will take place,” he left us the perfect example that our prayers should always reflect the desire for God’s purpose to be fulfilled, even when we are going through painful trials or situations that cause deep anguish.

He teaches us to be peaceful people and to trust in Jehovah’s protection instead of turning to violence. When Jesus told Peter, “Return your sword to its place,” he made it clear that true Christians do not use physical weapons to defend themselves. This lesson is very practical today because it helps us maintain strict Christian neutrality in spite of the world’s conflicts.

Jesus showed us what self-sacrificing love and tender shepherding really mean. Even at the moment when he was about to be arrested, his priority was to care for his sheep by telling the soldiers, “Let these men go.” This encourages Jehovah’s servants to care for the spiritual and physical well-being of others, always putting love for neighbor first.