Thursday’s events in Jesus’ last week before the cross begin with a meal and a pledge of loyalty. They end with a betrayal and abandonment. In between is Gethsemane. Just the name evokes strong emotions in me.
There is something about the agony in Gethsemane that always breaks my heart. Perhaps it is the loneliness as Jesus prayed to His Father while the disciples slept. Perhaps it is the depth of His agony. “’My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them.” [Mark 14:34 NIV]
Maybe it is the image of the Son of God sweating great drops of blood. “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” [Luke 22:44 NIV]
I think, however, what truly breaks my heart is Jesus’ plea … “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” [Matt 26:39 NIV]
Yes, I think it is that plea to His Father. “If there is any other way,” and it is here that I hear my name. “Father, if there is any other way that Terry Lema may be saved, other than by my going to the cross for her, may that be. But if not, then, not as I will, but as you will.”
For me, for you. Jesus took the wrath that should have been ours.
God had mercy on our souls. Amen.
