As I wrote on Tuesday, over the next few days, I’d like to point out several things from the story of the last week of Jesus, drawing on all four of the Gospels. I’ll try to give enough detail to be helpful. But I’d also suggest that reading these sections this week will be helpful. Matthew, starting in chapter 21. Mark starting in chapter 11. Luke starting in chapter 20. And the whole last half of John, starting in chapter 12.

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1. That week, Jesus stayed in conversation with God.

Those of us who are familiar with the story of the last supper might remember that after they had eaten, Jesus and 11 of his disciples went to the Mount of Olives, to the Garden of Gethsemane.

Reading about that night, I noticed that when Luke describes that trip, he says, “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives.” I thought, “as usual?”

So I reread the story of the whole week starting with the palms. And Luke says that during that week, “Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives.”

Jesus spent the nights that last week talking with God. It was part of his usual practice, by the way, to go away and pray. It happens often through the Gospels. John tells us that every step, every decision, every teaching, was at the Father’s direction.  Perhaps a little like talking to the coach in the press box who sees the whole field. Perhaps like the best friend who gives courage, not able to take your place but with you, anticipating your needs.

But deeper than either of those.

We know about the prayer struggle of the last night, but that’s just the glimpse that the father and son permitted, like a political photo opportunity after the hard work behind closed doors.

If you are in a hard week, if you want to make the most of your last week, stay in conversation with God.