Responding to Jesus: Agony in the Garden

Jesus drank the bitter cup of God's
wrath, so that we might taste the
sweet cup of God's salvation.
How bitter was the cup our Savior
emptied for us? Look no further than
to the gospel accounts of Gethsemane.
The garden's very name means "oil press." It's
an aptly named stage upon which we see Jesus
hard-pressed in His humanity, suffering emotionally
like no one has ever suffered.
"He began to be troubled and deeply
distressed..."
Mark 14:33 (NKJV)
There was nothing in Christ's humanity to dull the
emotional pain He suffered for us:
"My soul is exceedingly sorrowful,
even to death. Stay here and watch."
Mark 14:34
Jesus sought solace in the company of His
closest followers. Yet He drew nearer still to the
Father – as He always had – that He might win "the
battle before the battle" at Calvary.
Surely Jesus' first disciples learned much from
His agony in the garden. Their spiritual battles, like
ours, often must be won before the crisis starts.
It's simply too late to "watch and pray" when the
crisis is raging; such critical defenses are needed
much sooner.
This Sunday, we'll return to our study in Mark's
gospel with, "Responding to Jesus: Agony in the
Garden." I hope to see you here!