Lessons from the GardenSample

A place of grace and mercy

We pick up the story of the night Jesus was betrayed as Jesus and the disciples make their way to the Garden of Gethsemane. Once there, Jesus leaves the disciples to go pray. But instead of going by Himself, notice that He singles out Peter and takes him, along with James and John, a little farther on with Him.

When they arrive, Jesus confesses to these three that He is so deeply distressed and in such anguish that He feels like He could die in that moment. The original language is poignant and vivid. Jesus is emotionally overwhelmed with what He is about to face, and He is beside Himself with grief.

That’s when He asks the three to stay awake with Him. It’s clear He wants their presence and comfort. He then goes a little farther to pray.

What Jesus does in this moment is hugely instructive. To show just how distraught He is, the Scripture literally says He casts Himself to the ground with His face in the dirt.

The language here is raw. He doesn’t just go to His knees; He physically throws Himself to the ground.

His plea is palpable. Jesus begs His Father, if it is at all possible, to let the torture, death, and spiritual crushing He is about to face pass from Him. The verb in the phrase “may this cup be taken from Me” is in the imperative. A more accurate translation is more like a command, “let this cup be taken from Me.” Jesus, in His anguish and the deep distress of His soul, is urging the Father to find another way.

Jesus bares His soul to the Father. He doesn’t hold back. If there is any possible way out, Jesus begs the Father to find that way.

I believe we sanitize this story, underestimating the trauma Jesus was feeling in this moment. His humanity is on full display. He is feeling what you and I would feel in that moment. Yes, Jesus, in that moment, is still fully God, but He is also fully human, who can empathize with our weaknesses, just as Hebrews 4:15 affirms.

Notice that the Father doesn’t reject Jesus’ plea. And Jesus isn’t rejected by the Father.

Here’s the takeaway for you today.

No matter what you are facing, God understands your agony. He will never reject your plea, no matter how raw. And He will never reject you for expressing your heart, no matter how raw.

Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us:

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Whatever you are facing, God’s throne is one of grace, not judgment. He is waiting there for you, to give you His grace and mercy in your moment of need.

Go there now…