It is very hard to walk with Jesus to the Garden and see Him agonizing there. God's Holy Word says in the 22nd chapter of Luke: "And He came out, and went, as He was wont, to the mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
This scene grips my heart as I see Jesus, in His humanity, agonizing in prayer and pleading with His Father to remove the cup---if it be possible---but then He adds the blessed words of surrender -- "Nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done." Our Lord was in such travail of soul that an angel from heaven came and strengthened Him.
He rose up from prayer, went to the disciples and found them sleeping. There must have been sadness in Jesus' heart and voice when He said, "Could you not watch with Me one hour"?
Jesus went back to the place of prayer and again was in great agony, praying even more earnestly, until he sweat great drops of blood. But when He rose from prayer this time, it was settled. He was ready for the multitude, the betrayal kiss of Judas, the denial of Peter, the sentencing of Pilate, the deriding of the rulers, the mockery of the soldiers--saying from the Cross, :Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
I have often meditated on this scene in the garden. It moves me deeply and shows me a beautiful picture of complete and humble surrender to the Father's will.
Have you had a Gethsemane?
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