“. . . Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42 NIV
What is the most stressful experience that you’ve ever had? From my life I’d say watching my wife have not one but two heart attacks and not knowing if she’d make it or not ranks high on my list. Think about this question for a moment and answer it for yourself.
What do you suppose Jesus felt in the hours before His crucifixion? Nothing I’ve experienced comes anywhere close–not even one billionth of one percent. What he went through is beyond anyone’s comprehension. He knew about the events of the next several hours–the betrayal, the arrest, the accusations, the insults, the trial, the beatings, the humiliation, the shame, the agony, the suffering, the separation, the torture, and the death. He asked His Father to make another way if possible, but He chose obedience to God’s will. He prayed so earnestly and passionately that he sweated blood. His best friends couldn’t even stay awake to support Him. Even though He had told them of what was ahead, they didn’t get it.
Talk about being alone! He carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. I have too much sin in my life, yet He bore not only my sins but yours, too, and everyone else who has lived. This burden must have been crushing. He had no responsibility for mankind’s sin, but He had accountability for it.
The Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed still exists in Jerusalem, adjacent to the Church of All Nations. Some of its olive trees today were around when He was there. Inside the altar area of this church is the rock where it is believed Jesus prayed. It’s a place that evokes all kinds of emotions. It’s hard to pray there without crying, knowing that my sin contributed to His punishment and sacrifice.
Do you feel what Jesus Christ did for you?
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for Your perfect life, for Your obedience, for your sacrifice. We don’t deserve it, but Your free gift of grace makes it possible for us to live eternally with You. Amen