Resurrection: Hope in the Midst of Sufferingনমুনা

The beginning of this devotional traces back to that eventful Thursday when Christ prayed in the Garden. When He was in much sorrow, He remembered His disciples. He asked them to pray lest they fall into temptation. Temptation can only be resisted through earnest prayers because prayer brings us closer to God.

Some opine that there was a split in the Trinity but let us first examine whether Jesus’ plea was indeed unheard. Luke informs us that after Jesus had prayed, an angel strengthened him. If the plea was truly unheard, why would God send an angel? Instead, it indicates that God the Father discerned precisely the meaning behind Jesus’ words. The plea was indeed heard. But did the response align with Jesus’ will?

It's essential to remember that if Jesus evaded physical suffering, it would no longer retain the crucifixion’s sacrificial essence. Sacrificial love is exemplified when one acts for another, even if it causes discomfort. Hence, Jesus had to confront the dread of the cross.

So was there a split within the Trinity such that Jesus and the Father wanted different things? If we look into the context, the word "cup" refers not to the pain and suffering that comes, but rather the wrath of God that is to come. Jesus understood that on the cross He will bear the sins of the world - a sinless victim treated like the worst of all sinners. He knew that this would mean facing the wrath of God which means separation between Him and God. The eternal Son of God, who is truly God and truly Man, bore our punishment of forsakenness, upon Himself without ever ceasing to be co-equal with the Father, a joyous mystery for mankind to ponder.

We see that Jesus was more concerned about the spiritual suffering than the physical suffering. His prayer does not show a split but a deep and long intimacy within the Trinity - the Son always desires to enjoy joyous unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

How terrible is eternal separation from God and how wonderful is the union with Him! Jesus calls us to intimacy with Him. We may or may not dread the suffering the world has to offer. But may we be sorrowful and broken-hearted at the thought of being distanced from God.

Application Questions:

• Reflect upon the sovereignty of God in orchestrating the Passion week.
• Take a moment to introspect your life: Does separation from the world worry me more than separation from God?
• Surrender yourself before God and pray that He enables you to be obedient as the Son was obedient.