SCRIPTURE
Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:36-38 | NLT
OBSERVATION
Considering the path of Jesus’ life up to this point with His closest companions on earth, the very humanness of God is revealed. He was in the war of human emotions and the will to live and not be tortured and martyred to fulfill His Father’s purposes on the cross, for mankind’s sins.
I encourage and challenge you to read and reread this passage over and over and over again? How painfully human is this moment and time for Jesus?
- Anguish and distress flooded Jesus’ thoughts and soul.
- His soul crushed with grief to the point of death.
Can you imagine all the other unimaginable thoughts and feelings Jesus experienced?
APPLICATION
I can’t imagine or comprehend the moments in heaven when God the Father and Jesus discussed the plan of redemption. What was that conversation like? Was there even a conversation…as their sinful creation lived in the darkness and terror of sin? So it was decided that God would send His only Son, equal in Godness, in human form, to grow up, live, and eventually sacrifice His life for mankind to be reunited in relationship with Him.
Have you ever been to the point in your life when you said or thought “Why me?” Life can be beyond tough, unfair, and brutal. Health, financial, and relationship hardships can drive people to their graves…and has.
How do you cope? Where do your strength and hope come from?
I’m compelled to continue developing my personal relationship with the Godhead – Father God, Jesus God, and the Holy Spirit God. And I encourage you to do the same. Seek, pursue, talk to Him!
- Like Jesus…we are human. We can’t escape hardship.
- Like Jesus…we are not alone. Seek out prayer and encouragement.
- Like Jesus…when those closest to you fail you, don’t place blame on them. Go to the source of strength who is God our Father.
- Like Jesus…allow the core of your heart to decide to please God, no matter the circumstances or outcomes.
I pray for us to grow closer to and draw strength from Him. And may His strength be perfected in our lives when we are weak. (Ja. 4:8, Is. 40:31, 2 Cor. 12:9-10)
PRAYER
My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.
