September 4

Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour? — Mark 14:37 BSB

One of the saddest parts of Jesus’ Gethsemane experience was the disappointment He felt in His disciples.

He asked His three closest friends to stay near Him in His hour of agony. He longed for the comfort of their sympathy. But when He returned to them, hoping to find strength in their love, He found them asleep.

There’s a legend from Brittany about how the robin got its red breast. As Jesus was being led to Calvary, a bird, moved by pity, flew down and pulled a thorn from His crown. Blood from the wound splashed on the bird’s breast, and ever since, robins have had a red spot on their chests, symbolizing their compassion for the Savior.

The disciples had the opportunity that night, not to remove thorns from Jesus’ brow, but to strengthen Him with their sympathy.

Instead, they missed the moment, making His suffering even harder.