That Moment of Anguish

On the night Jesus was arrested, He had been praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. This event is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22. In remembering this time in history, we must also bear in mind that while Jesus came to earth 100% God, He also came 100% man. The Bible tells us that He was tempted just as we are tempted, but He never succumbed to sin’s persuasion.

Think of that night. One of His disciples had gone away to betray Him to the authorities. The other eleven went with Him to the garden; three were nearby while He prayed. The Scripture tells us that Jesus bowed face down. What a picture of humility, but also of pleading desperation as He cried out, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.” Try to image the glee of Satan. He believed he was about to win; he was going to succeed in killing Jesus. Perhaps he even believed Jesus might turn away from His Heavenly Father. Try to envision all the evil unleashed on Jesus that night. You and I have never, nor will we ever, be tempted as Jesus was in those few hours before he was arrested and led away to be executed by crucifixion.

Writhing in agony, Jesus sweat drops of blood. Then, interestingly, three times He went to His nearest three disciples. Each time they had fallen asleep. There are many sermons about staying awake in times of peril to pray. Yes, that’s a must, but I’m thinking of the human side of Jesus here. The Bible says He felt everything we have ever felt. So that night, He needed friends, just as we do in our own times of great distress and sorrow. He longed to know someone understood, that those closest to Him truly cared. Is that why He went to see them on three occasions? The God side of Him understood. We know this, because He said as He looked at them the third time, “Watch and pray so that you will not give into temptation, for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

The Scripture also tells us that an angel was sent to minister to Jesus whose comfort strengthened Him. This consoles me, too, in knowing the Bible says that angels are sent by God to come to our aid at His command. (Hebrews 1:7) As Jesus prayed in His deepest moment of anguish, God sent help. God does the same for us. His help to withstand any temptation is always a prayer away.

As we contemplate what Jesus went through to willingly die for our sins in those agonizing moments of cruel execution, and of taking upon Himself every sin ever committed by you and me, let us, in the deepest part our hearts whisper, “Thank you, Jesus. You didn’t have to do this. You didn’t have to suffer for me. My sin is my fault, but you paid my penalty. Thank you for loving me that much. Thank you, Jesus.” When those moments of remembering are done, then whisper, “Holy Spirit within me, keep me strong when I face temptation. Make me a light that shines so others may see The Light of Jesus and receive Him into their lives, too.”

Satan unleashed the terrors of hell against Jesus that night — but he didn’t know something most crucial — Sunday was coming!

Wishing you all a Hallelujah Easter!