“The Gethsemane Prayer: Part 2”
𝒯𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓈𝒹𝒶𝓎’𝓈 𝒫𝓇𝒶𝓎𝑒𝓇: 8/4/2022
𝒮𝒸𝓇𝒾𝓅𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒: Matthew 26: 36-56
𝒯𝑜𝓅𝒾𝒸: “The Gethsemane Prayer: Part 2”
𝒢𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝒜𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓃𝑜𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝒴𝑜𝓊,
Three weeks ago today, I published Part 1 of the Gethsemane Series that I’ve been studying. However, it was never my intention to have this large gap between the first two parts. With that said, and with an entire Tonsillectomy later, here I am. 😷
As the scripture tells us in Romans 8:28, “All things work together for the good of those who love God and to those who are called according to His purpose.” I believe, Part 2 was uniquely meant for today.
For weeks leading up to the surgery, I silently suffered in anguish, distress, and uncertainty. Why? Because of all the adult horror stories of grown people getting their tonsils removed! That’s why! It wasn’t due to a lack of faith in my relationship with God; it was because of my human nature that I allowed doubt and fear to set in. Yes, I said doubt. And I’m okay admitting that.
This may not be a big deal to some, but I’ve never been scared of much in my entire life. Nonetheless, I was afraid of this particular procedure. I noticed as the weeks and days closed in, my appetite changed, my demeanor changed, my attitude even changed. Not negatively but more quietly. What was it all for? I changed because of the fear of pain. Now, at any point, I could have canceled the procedure but I chose not to.
What were my issues or symptoms for scheduling a Tonsillectomy? Well first, for 20 years I had recurring tonsillitis. A second reason were the unrelenting tonsil stones. Lastly? I was tired of being sick. But I knew I had to make a decision. And that decision was to go forward without looking back.
May I be honest? I was definitely afraid of the horrid healing pains. I knew I would suffer (temporarily) on the road to recovery. I knew I wouldn’t be able to eat or sleep. And man!! Correct I was! 😂🤧 But I survived. Day 5 through Day 8 were excruciating painful days. Today is Day 11. Praise God for progress!
I’m still healing, still having after effects, but I’m living. As the scripture says in Psalm 30:5, my motivation (was knowing) and (is knowing) that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning! I knew the sacrifice of temporary pain would bring a forever gain.
So back to the “Gethsemane Prayer.” In Part 1, I asked you to study and review the scriptures, as I also have. For Part 2, in particular, I want to focus on Matthew 26: 38-39. In verse 38, Jesus says, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death…” and in verse 39, the scripture says Jesus…. “Went a little farther and fell on his face, and prayed…. O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” (Side note) My God, I just love how Jesus always placed the Father’s will above His own.
Why was Jesus in such anguish? Why was He distressed? What was troubling Jesus?
What I love most about Jesus is His humanity. No, He committed no sin. However, God allowed Him to experience life on Earth. God allowed Jesus to be tempted. So there is no sorrow that Jesus can’t relate to or understand.
Jesus was anguished because of the pain and betrayal He would soon endure. He saw what was to come. Jesus was distressed due to the ultimate assignment. And I do mean THE ultimate assignment of the Cross. Jesus was troubled because He could see the torture and torment that He would suffer for OUR sins. He had no sin. He took the burden of the cross for us. Ugh! They crucified a perfect being. 💔
Don’t get it twisted though. At anytime, He could have quit the mission. But Jesus knew, prophecy from the Old and New Testaments, had to be accomplished.
Look at Matthew 26:54. Jesus said, “How then could the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” By completing the mission, four (and more) major prophecies were fulfilled.
The Messiah was rejected. (Isaiah 53:3)
Judas betrayed Jesus. (Matthew 26: 14-16)
The Chiefs and Elders seized Jesus. (Matthew 16:21)
His Disciples fled. (Matthew 26:31)
Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, which means “oil press” and determined by scholars to be a grove of olive trees (more on this in a separate entry), did not mean He wanted to abort mission. It simply meant He experienced real emotion, transparent thoughts and relatable anguish. It displays, even more-so, the persona of God and the persona of Jesus Christ.
There was no other way for the Slain Lamb to sacrifice His life. His blood had to be shed. His hands and feet had to be pierced. The crown of thorns had to be placed on His head. The symbolism of His blood 🩸 shed on the Cross was for us. We could have never done for ourselves, what Jesus did for us.
Yes, the Father could’ve allowed the cup to pass from Jesus (Matthew 26:39). But God is not a man that He should lie. 700 years before the Crucifixion of Christ, it was predicted that the Messiah would come. The Crucifixion was in the mind of God for a very long time.
Where do you think any of us would be today without His sacrifice? I love how Angels came and ministered to Him though. God did not abandon Jesus in His distress. He sent Angels to comfort him. I’m comparing Apples 🍏 to Watermelons 🍉 (I felt oranges 🍊 were still too close) but God did not leave me in my anguish either. Instead He sent me an army of prayer warriors, resources, and tools to comfort me during my healing.
Father God in the name of Jesus, thank You for comforting us through life’s difficult moments of anguish and distress. We will face tumultuous times but we know that You will continue to love us and care for us. Thank You God for not always allowing the cup of assignments to pass us; but thank You for being with us through the worst of it. Thank You for the Slain Lamb, which is Jesus the Christ. I thank You today God for my salvation. Use me and others to bring glory to the Cross. Use us to Glorify You, to Glorify the Son, and Your sweet Holy Spirit.
It’s in Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
If you are in need of salvation, and have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, please click on the prayer tab and send in a prayer request.
I would love to pray for you and pray with you.
𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒,
𝐿𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝑀𝑜𝓃𝒾𝒸𝒶
