In this episode of Lamplighters, Jan Skaggs and Lynn Adams walk us into the dark heart of Mark’s Gospel. In Mark 14:32–51, Jesus enters Gethsemane and faces the full weight of what lies ahead—anguish, betrayal, and ultimate abandonment.

Jan and Lynn explore Jesus’ deeply human prayer to “Abba,” his request for the cup to pass, and his surrender to the Father’s will. They reflect on the disciples’ failure to watch and pray, Peter’s impulsive violence, Judas’ painful betrayal, and the scattering of the sheep when the Shepherd is struck.

This episode invites listeners to consider their own “Gardens of Gethsemane”: Where are we tempted to sleep instead of pray? Where are we overconfident in our strength? What do we do when our world falls apart?

Even in failure and fear, God is at work. Through abandonment, surrender, and weakness, the purposes of God continue to unfold.