THE DRAMA IN THE GARDEN!

THE DRAMA IN THE GARDEN!

Luke 22:39-44

39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke, the physician, recorded the physical details of the bloody sweat. Many have tried to explain it but Luke records the phenomenon as a result of great stress. Jesus was about to ask one last time to be released from the horrors of the cross. It was not to be! Great sins had been committed. God had been greatly offended and a great punishment was called for. So great was Jesus’ angst that an angel was dispatched to strengthen him.

The apostles witnessed this drama and recorded it as seen through their own eyes. Matthew says that when the last supper was finished they sung a hymn; and went out into the Mount of Olives. John pays attention to Jesus’ prayer and takes the entire 17^th chapter to record it. Luke watches over Jesus as he might observe a dying patient. Reading all three we can almost feel the evening mist, hear the chirp of insects and smell the sweet fragrance of the garden. We can also sense the unexplained heaviness all about. We feel as if we are in a great cathedral and witnessing a solemn worship. It was John who records the clamorous interruption.

John 18:1-3

18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

“…And weapons!” Surely weapons would be needed to subdue a man with such power as to heal the sick and raise the dead. This man has such powers that even the hem of his garment, when touched, could heal. They came with weapons! We who know him and love him shake our head in bewilderment at such fear. They came with weapons!

While the smoke of their torches rose and swirled like great spirits, Jesus thrusts himself to the front and boldly asks who they were looking for. This is courage that comes from great authority. Only John records the next event.

John 18:4-6

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

None of the other evangelists mentions this very important circumstance. Our Lord chose to give them this proof of his infinite power, that they might know that their power could not prevail against him if he chose to exert his might, seeing that the very breath of his mouth confounded, drove back, and struck them down to the earth. Thus by the blast of God they might have perished, and by the breath of his nostrils they might have been consumed: Job 4:9. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Jesus, having boldly identified himself, asked that his followers be released (John 18:8). This is consistent with his shepherd’s heart for the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. As one of his little lambs, I can’t keep from crying at this great fact. So they bound with puny ropes the One who had just knocked them down with the power of his voice and led him away to be crucified.

Dear Jesus! In the garden you prayed for me. At the trial you were condemned for me. On the cross you died for me. You triumphantly rose for me and soon you will come for me. Even so come quickly. AMEN