The thrilling scene of the crowd waving their Palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!" is behind us now as we continue on this journey to Calvary. As we walk with Jesus today toward Gethsemane, I wonder what He is thinking. Is He looking ahead to the agony in the Garden -- the mob coming to arrest Him with swords and staves -- mocking Him -- smiting Him -- striking Him on the face? Is He thinking of Peter (one of the inner circle) who was going to deny Him, saying, "I know Him not"! Or, perhaps He is thinking of Judas, one of His own, who had made a covenant with the chief priests and captains to betray Jesus unto them.
It is very hard to walk with Jesus to the Garden and see Him agonizing there. God's Holy Word says:
"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 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed.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 to the ground." Luke 22:39; 41-44
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 complete surrender to the Father's will -- "Nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done"! God's Word says Jesus was in such travail of soul that an angel from heaven came and strengthened Him.
Jesus rose up from prayer, went to the disciples and found them sleeping. There must have been great sadness in His heart and voice as He said, "Could you not watch with Me one hour?" Jesus went back to the place of prayer again, but when He rose up 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, until He would say from the Cross--"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
This shows me a beautiful picture of complete and humble surrender to the Father's will. I'm so thankful I've been to the Garden, and today --
"He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing:
and the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known."
Have you been to the Garden? Nothing sweeter can be known than full surrender!
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