…and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Extreme duress! Palpable stress! Acute anguish!
Perhaps even these words to not approach the true magnitude of suffering Jesus faced the night of His betrayal.
At some point in life, most people know what it is to be in deep trouble. Even to be driven to their knees in prayer for deliverance.
But while everyone in the world knows sorrow and pain, Jesus’ circumstance is uniquely horrible. That’s why this moment in Jesus’ life must, to some extent, remain shrouded in mystery.
Nor is anyone else qualified to understand it. Nobody else, only Jesus! He alone was one with the Father. Only He is eternally perfect and came to earth and lived a perfect human life as well.
And now He must become intimate with sin. Not just some sin, but every sin of every person who ever lived or would yet live! The full implications of this are beyond our grasp, but He prayed…
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly…
Perhaps we can only identify slightly wiht an anguish that sweats blood.
But anyone can certainly fully appreciate the benefits of the victory He won in prayer that night. A decision that propelled Him forward to give all His blood on the cross!
A choice that opened heaven for all who believe and obey Him!
Selfless. Jesus lived His entire life thinking of others above self. Now he knows what is coming, and no, I don't think we can really understand his anguish. Yet in His darkest hour, he thinks of others.
ReplyDelete1st - God the Father. "Not my will, but yours be done."
2nd - His disciples "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."
In His darkest hour, he doesn't request prayers for himself, but prayers for their spiritual wellbeing.
Selfless, even in the worst of times.
How are we at imitating the teacher in times of trials?