Abiding in Easterనమూనా

ABIDING IN EASTER - LENT DEVOTIONAL by BRYAN CRAIG

DAY 38

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?

Mark 14:32-37 ESV

This scene in the Easter story is so troubling to ponder. Our Lord Jesus, a loving, innocent man, choosing to carry the weight of the sin of the world on His shoulders, is in horrible anguish. The last time we saw Jesus in this way was when He was weak and tempted in the desert when He first started His ministry. At the end of the 40 days of temptation, it says the devil left Him “until an opportune time.” It surely seems like this was that time. Jesus, fully man and fully God, was distressed and troubled, even asking God to remove this cup from Him, yet thankfully, He says “yet not what I will, but what You will.” This is why we should always pray, “Lord, Your will be done.” If Jesus’ prayer in His weakness was answered, and He did not go to the cross, all of mankind would receive our due punishment. Then, we would be the ones in agony, with no rescue plan.

This scene also depicts why we need fellow believers to stand watch with us. This reminds me of the time Moses was holding his arms up during a battle and the Israelites were winning, but when his arms lowered, they were losing. So, Aaron and Hur held his arms up. (Exodus 17:12-14) In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus needed His closest friends, Peter, James and John, to hold his arms up, but were asleep on the job.

APPLICATION:

Let this scene sink into your soul. Remember that this distress and anguish that Jesus felt was for you. Give Him proper thanks today for your salvation. Also, consider whether you have an inner circle you can stand with during times of temptation and struggle. Pledge to be that person for someone else.