Friday, April 4, 2025
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41 And he was withdrawn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 17th 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 chirping 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 solemn worship. It was John who recorded
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
