Today is the day I am most excited about and have been most anxious to get here. We are going to visit many sites but the one I am looking forward to the most is the “Garden of Gethsemane”. It is there where Jesus’ life on this earth and His ministry is coming to an end.
Many places in Scripture you see that while Jesus is fully God, He is fully man. Never have I identified more with this fact than in the garden. The details of Jesus’ time in the garden are laid out in Matthew 26. First, His anguish, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (fully man) Because He was God He didn’t need man…but notice He asked the disciples to be with Him. I love that.
I have been sorrowful and overwhelmed before and friends comforted me. Jesus wanted that comfort and companionship:) just like we do!
Second, He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (fully man) This prayer provides some of the most meaningful Scripture to me. You see, Jesus was obedient as fully man and deferred His will to His Father’s. He endured pain and suffering and even asked if it could be taken away.
Out of great love, obedience and trust in his Father, all of mankind has benefited. The “Greater good,” a “debt paid”. It helps me many, many times when I don’t understand…to release my understanding to His…
…knowing I can trust HIM…
….that He has a better plan…
…one that I can’t comprehend, especially when I endure pain or watch someone else.
It allows me to release all my worries and anxious thoughts to God. He truly does what His word teaches in Romans 8:26-28, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself INTERCEDES for us with groans that words cannot express. And HE who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And WE KNOW that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose” [emphasis added].
Praising God that HE was made strong when His Son JESUS felt weak (fully man). Take comfort today that His “grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made PERFECT in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). What He did for His Son, Jesus, He will do for you and for me. Stay tuned pictures of this Holy place and others will appear soon……