The Crucifixion of the Church    63 

    The behavior of the disciples during Jesus' suffering foreshadows the 

behavior of many Christians during times of persecution, especially during 

the Church's great suffering. The members of the Church will be scattered 

(Ezek 12:14 15; Zech 13:7). Some Christians will deny Christ, as Peter later 

did. Some who deny Christ will be leaders in the Church. Since the Apostles 

acted in this manner at Jesus' Passion, then some Christians will act in the 

same manner at the Church's Passion. (This occurs during the persecutions 

of the Church in both the 21st and 25th centuries, and perhaps at other 

times.) But many shall also remain faithful to Christ Jesus, many shall offer 

their suffering to Him, many shall be martyred for Him, many shall endure 

to the end. 

Jesus in Agony in the Garden (Mark 14:32 42) 

     And he said to them, `My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain 

here, and watch.'   (Mark 14:34). 

    Jesus' agony in prayer at His Passion foreshadows the Church's prayerful 

agony at the beginning of the Church's Passion. 

     And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were 

possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, `Abba, Father, all 

things are possible to thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but 

what thou wilt.'   (Mark 14:35 36). 

    It is not possible for the Church to avoid Her Passion and Crucifixion, 

because it is not God's will for the Church to avoid it. Some Christians will 

pray to God to prevent this time of suffering for the Church. But it is God's 

will that the Church suffer as Christ suffered. God wills that the Church be 

made in the image of Christ Jesus, the Crucified One. The Church must 

suffer much because Christ Jesus suffered much. The Church must be 

crucified, even as Christ Jesus was crucified. 

The Disciples Sleep During Jesus' Agony (Mark 14:32 42) 

     And he came the third time, and said to them, `Are you still sleeping and 

taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed 

into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.'   

(Mark 14:41). 

    The failure of the disciples to watch and pray foreshadows the failure of 

many Christians and Church leaders to watch and pray at the beginning of 

the Church's Passion. The disciples fell asleep while Jesus prayed and 

suffered agony in the garden. Many Christians and Church leaders will be 

(metaphorically) asleep when the Church suffers Her prayerful agony. They