In Matthew 26:36–46, Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane wrestling to accept the agonizing suffering he was about to endure. Facing his greatest challenge ever, Jesus desperately needed his friends. He needed someone to stand beside him and help bear his burden. Since Peter, James, and John were nearby, Jesus begged them to stay and “keep watch.” They fell asleep, however, unable to help him in the throes of anguish. The text notes that Jesus actually reached out to them with words of concern: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Serving leaders, like Jesus, will face distressful situations that tax them to the core of their being. They surround themselves with an “inner circle” of close friends and supporters who can help them through the most difficult times. We need to be vulnerable like Jesus, seeking others’ help. Unlike the disciples, we also need to help share the burdens of leaders around us.

Lead, love, and serve, like Jesus!

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KEY QUESTIONS: Do I find it easy to be vulnerable when I’m going through difficulty ? Who is in my “inner circle” that I can go to in times of need? Have I helped bear the burdens of others by sacrificing both time and energy?