Victory at the Garden of Gethsemane

Lord Jesus Christ knew the will of the Father, the purpose for which He came into this world, yet He was in great agony of soul. It was not due to a lack of love or lack of desire. Lord knew that it was His sacrifice that is essential for the forgiveness of sins. He was not forced or threatened or deceived. He willingly, joyfully resolved to lay down His life at Gethsemane.

Cup of wrath

Holy God is angry with unrepentant, rebellious, and perpetually backsliding sinners. He punishes them. Even then, if they do not repent, God judges them. Symbolically it is described as a cup with God’s anger, wrath, and curses. (Psalms 75:8) Spurgeon suggests hell distilled in the cup that Lord drank.

Removal of the cup

Theologian Craig A Blaising provides an insightful interpretation of the Lord’s prayer at Gethsemane. Lord Jesus is portrayed as the servant in Isaiah. The cup of wrath as punishment is poured upon the Nation of Israel, and after they drink, the cup is taken away. They experienced punishment in full and then received God’s blessing. (Isaiah 51:19-22) Lord’s prayer meant that after drinking the cup of wrath, the cup should be removed as God did to the Nation of Israel and experience fellowship with the Father.

Hematidrosis

Luke as a physician writes how Lord’s sweat dropped as blood. This rare medical condition happens due to extreme stress, anxiety, and tension. The capillaries rupture and blood get into the sweat glands. It can cause death by internal bleeding. Lord asked Father to remove the cup, which is death through internal bleeding. He did not want to die in the Garden, but at Calvary, crucified. So, angels came to minister, and strengthen Him. (Luke 22:43-44)

Second Adam

First Adam in the Garden of Eden chose sin, self, world, and Satan and plunged humanity into sin and death. Second Adam in the Garden of Gethsemane chose obedience, death, and sacrifice, defeating Temptation, Sin, and Satan, thus bringing redemption to humanity.

Do I understand the agony of the Lord that brought redemption and victory?