It was late at night. The Passover meal was done. Judas had left the group to finalize handing Jesus over to those seeking His death.
“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’“ [Matt 26:36-38 NIV]
We know the disciples didn’t keep watch; they fell asleep. Jesus was left alone to agonize over what was just ahead of Him. It was such a deep sorrow that as He contemplated that awful cup He would have to drink, he sweated great drops of bloody sweat. He had to be strengthened by angels sent from the Father just to keep praying.
“Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” [Luke 22:43-44 NKJV]
You have probably heard me say this before. This was the deciding moment for all time. When Jesus arose from His prayer in the Garden, His decision was made. He never wavered from that point on. He was determined to complete the work. He was in full control through the trials, the torture, the bloody cross.
When I read of the crucifixion I see my sin, but I think I see my sin and what it cost God’s Son to die for me even more in these moments before the cross as Jesus suffered in the Garden. Even the anticipation of the dregs of that cup of sin and perversions was abhorrent to the Son of God. And yet, because of His love for us, He made the choice to endure it all for the joy (for us) that was set before Him.
Oh, Jesus, Savior of my soul, forgive me. Never let me take for granted all you have done for me. Let me live my life to bring honor to your name. Give me opportunity to share Your amazing love with others so that they might also know you. Amen & Amen.
