Responsibility: Caring in the Midst of Crisis (Mark 14:32-42)

Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Jesus must have endured His most difficult moments in the Garden of Gethsemane, just prior to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The Gospels tell us He felt deeply distressed and troubled (Mark 14:33). He cried out and His sweat became like blood (Luke 22:44). In His time of dire need, however, His twelve followers drifted off to sleep. Twice He found them snoring. They had no idea how critical this night would be.

Instead of screaming at them in anguish, however, He encouraged them to pray for themselves (Mark 14:38). Even though He had every right to demand better performance, He felt compassion for them and gave them direction. He wanted them to stay protected from temptation. His sense of responsibility and concern overcame His preoccupation with the Cross. His date with destiny did not overshadow His love and concern for His weak and sleepy staff. In the garden He provided us with the ultimate display of a leader's responsibility.