Luke 22:44

New International Version (NIV)

And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

For Meditation

They were not tears of joy. Check the account of the Hebrews writer and see what was going on. “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission” (Heb. 5:7). That was the life of Jesus.

“With fervent cries and tears,” Christ offered up prayers and petitions to the Father who could have reprogrammed the redemption software and removed the pain and agony part. But He didn’t.

Now come to the Garden of Gethsemane. The pain, agony, anguished soul, torment! His knees buckled.  His voice pierced the dark night. “Abba, Father,” He said, “Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mk. 14:36). The silent echo was deafening!

The tension was high. The Father’s will was resolute – He knew it. It was His will too; for the will of the Father and the Son had never been in conflict. He came to do the Father’s will (Heb. 10:8). But now, there was conflict! His human will struggled against the Father’s agenda when Christ faced the cup of God’s wrath.

 If you ever confronted a terrible, but unavoidable situation before, you have the idea here. But it doesn’t come any closer to the horror of God’s wrath in the cup. Read it in Revelation 14:17-20 with divine illumination, and begin to contemplate the plight of Jesus in Gethsemane. The cup was dark, and its contents, horrible! Your sins and mine; but He had to drink all of it! Feel it in your stomach!

Overwhelmed and anguished, His cries intensified. Where were His friends when He needed them? There, snoring with heavy eyes from the week’s events. O, sleep! The thief that robs us of the gracious communion of intercessory prayer! The Master taught them that lesson too (Lk. 22:46).

But, here he is again – the third time. The Son of God, travailing in prayer! The cup of God’s wrath filled with the bitter wine from earth’s vine. His stomach squirmed. His face tightened. An angel from heaven strengthened Him. He prayed more earnestly. He hyperventilated. His skin pores opened. Heavy drops of sweat poured out like drops of blood to the ground. Finally, He surrendered: “Not my will, but your will be done” (42).

And, to the cross, Jesus went, bearing your sins and mine.

1. So, does anybody care for you?
2. Do you feel unloved and abandoned?
3. Are you deeply distressed and troubled?
4. Do you dread tomorrow?
5. Is your soul anguished and in torment?

Enter Gethsemane and draw closer to the heart of God in total surrender. You will then be a true disciple of Jesus.

Shalom