Daily Thought

His prayers were always earnest. By common confession we admit that very often our prayers fall short of full sincerity. This was never so with His prayers. Therefore, when we read of Him praying ‘more earnestly’ we are compelled to take a second look.

There was a mixture of strange emotions in this garden setting which all combined to increase its intensity. We observe an anticipation encompassed by astonishment, anxiety, and alarm. Together these produced what the text describes as the ‘agony’. This had dimensions that were spiritual, mental, and physical. The prostration, perspiration, and prayer were all remarkable.

Notably, it was in a garden setting that we have the first mention of sweat in the scriptures. On that occasion the first man, in effect, lifted up his voice to God and said, ‘Not thy will, but mine be done’. The consequences of such rebellion are with us still. Similar language is the motto of the age. Now, amid the olive trees of the garden of Gethsemane there is a perfect man, who with complete submission speaks to heaven and says, ‘Not my will, but thine, be done’. The world has yet to see the full effects of His obedience.

The agony was intense. The conflict was real. For the sinless One to be made sin, and for the Holy One to endure the judgement of God upon sin, was horrific for Him to contemplate, and so affected the perfect emotions of the Lord Jesus. His submission, however, was perfect and His obedience total. The fierce struggle was between what was emotionally pleasing to a perfect human being and the fulfilment of God’s redemptive purpose. The Lord Jesus, in Gethsemane, did not act on impulse but in conscious obedience He deliberately chose the Father’s will. For such a choice we are eternally grateful. It involved Him in indescribable suffering, but it has secured for us equally indescribable blessing and at the same time brought infinite glory to God, whose will has been accomplished.

Today may bring to us conflicts which, while they are infinite ly smaller in significance, will be the same in principle. May the triumph of our Saviour spur us on to do the will of God.