As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net.

At once they left their nets and went with him.

Then he did not let anyone else go on with him except Peter and James and his brother John.

Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain, where they were alone. As they looked on, a change came over Jesus,

My friends and neighbors will not come near me, because of my sores; even my family keeps away from me.

Save me, O God! The water is up to my neck;

I am worn out from calling for help, and my throat is aching. I have strained my eyes, looking for your help.

Why do you reject me, LORD? Why do you turn away from me?

Your furious anger crushes me; your terrible attacks destroy me.

The LORD says, "It was my will that he should suffer; his death was a sacrifice to bring forgiveness. And so he will see his descendants; he will live a long life, and through him my purpose will succeed.

He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. Grief and anguish came over him,

and he said to them, "The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch with me."

In great anguish he prayed even more fervently; his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him.