Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Mark 14:32-34

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.”

Jesus made the ultimate surrender. His death was not accidental. He was not a victim of circumstances. He did not get caught up in the political angst between the Jewish leaders and the Roman government and somehow ended up on the cross. The Son of God, from eternity past, volunteered for the job knowing that he alone was the only one who could do it. He lived with his eyes set on the cross.

In today’s passage, we get a glimpse into the emotions of this one who was both fully man and fully God. His omniscience allowed him to know all that lay ahead. His omnipotence provided him the wherewithal to stop the plan or change the course. But his justice demanded a perfect sacrifice, and his love raised his hand to take our place. Remember, though he was fully man, his knowledge of the future led to him being “greatly distressed and troubled.” His heart was engulfed with sorrow, “even to death.”

Our minds and emotions are governed by the end of stories. When we watch or read an account of a person caught in a great storm at sea, and we know they survive, the intensity of the drama is lessened. And certainly, we know the great resurrection end of Jesus’ story. But don’t go there yet. Stay with Jesus in the garden. “Remain here and watch” with him. Reflect on his distress. Seek to identify with his deeply troubled heart. Feel the overwhelming sorrow engulfing his soul. Easter is coming. But today, slow down and thank Jesus for his great sacrifice.

Lord Jesus, I can’t even imagine what you went through to die for me. The physical pain is beyond my experience, and the time of spiritual separation from the Father as you took on my sin is beyond my comprehension. All I can say is—thank you, Lord Jesus, for going to the cross for me. In your name, I pray. Amen.

Today’s Journey Message:

What is Sin Anyway?