The Death and Resurrection of the KingSample

Sorrow and loneliness

“Then He said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.’ […] And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping.” (Matthew 26:38-40)

How anxious one can feel at times. For a scheduled surgery, for the results of a medical examination, for new situations that overwhelm you or for impending disasters looming on the horizon. You sometimes feel desperate!

The Lord Jesus was overcome with fear and sorrow when the soldiers were on their way to arrest Him. He knew exactly what awaited Him: pain, humiliation, intense temptation and finally death. That prospect made Him very sorrowful, even to death.

Jesus asked His disciples to watch with Him. He needed to be alone to pray, but also needed the nearness of His friends. Maybe you recognize this too. When you are anxious, you need the support of people around you. But when Jesus returned to His disciples, they were asleep. In fact, this happened three times. There was no one to relieve Jesus' burden a bit. He had to wrestle through this intense struggle alone.

When you are afraid or sad, do you find support from others? At least know that the Lord Jesus understands what you are going through. He went through it Himself! Therefore, you can always turn to Him. Do you do so? Does it help you to know that He understands what you’re going through?