Who is Jesus? Chapter 47 In the Garden

 

Not My Will but Your Will be Done!!

Who is Jesus? Chapter 47 In the Garden
 (Mentioned in all four of the Gospels.)

The Passover supper was ended, and Jesus spoke plainly to his disciples of his death. Then He prayed thanking God his Father that he had accomplished all that he was sent to do.

As it was his custom, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.

Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.

And when Jesus came to his usual place of prayer, he went a bit further into the garden taking with him; Peter, 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." Pray that you may not enter into temptation for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

And Jesus withdrew from them a short distance, and he fell down on the ground with his face in the dirt, being greatly trouble, and prayed, saying, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you; Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but your will be done.”

There are times in life when we face a time of approaching death, for ourselves or for a loved one. We understand that life is temporary here on earth, and that death is a part of living, yet we anguish and pray and hold on dearly to life not desiring to accept what may be ahead. It is times like these that we need to release our will to the will of our Father God, because He knows what is best for all concerned.

As Jesus was in turmoil, there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. Even today God is releasing angels to comfort those who morn and are in deep sorrow.

And being in agony Jesus prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Again, He was able to say, 'Not my will but thine be done.'

And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; because my betrayer is at hand."

So, Judas who betrayed Jesus, having gathered a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came to the garden with lanterns and torches and weapons.

When Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Who is it that you are seeking?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.”

When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground and lay as dead men.

(You might wonder why the priests and soldiers fell to the ground and when they were laying there, did they not know they were in the presence of the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the Savior of the World? I wonder if one of these very soldiers is the one who later at the cross, said “Surely this was the Son of God?)

So, Jesus asked them again, “Who is it that you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I already told you that I am he. So, if you are looking for me, let these my men go.”

This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”

Now the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading the band of religious leaders and soldiers.

He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when the disciples saw what was happening, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant named Malchus, and cut off his right ear.

So, Jesus said to Peter, "No more of this; Return your sword into its sheath; Do you not still understand that I shall drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

And he touched the servant's ear and healed him. (Now wouldn't that be something for them to consider. Here the priests and soldiers were trying to arrest Jesus and kill him, and Jesus was healing a man in the middle of their arrest.)

Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Then they roughly seized Jesus and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house for questioning, and Peter was following at a distance while the other disciples ran away in fear.

We cannot be too hard on the disciples, because they were dense as to what was happening, even though Jesus had been telling them for many months that he was to die for the sins of the world. When everything is laid out before our very eyes, it is still difficult to view at times. For us as individuals, we must force our eyes to look again and realize that Jesus had you and me in mind as he volunteered to accept and accomplish God's plan of redemption for us.

No longer was it necessary for animals, the sheep, goats, oxen, doves to be sacrificed for sin, because Jesus was the ultimate and final sacrifice for the sins of the world, for your sin and for mine.

It is up to us to understand that Jesus must be invited into our life. It is not enough to believe that He is God's only son, and that He died on the cross. (Even the devils believe and tremble, but they are NOT saved.) A sinner (you and me) must come humbly to the foot of the cross, inviting Jesus to come into our heart and life and then promise to serve Him all the days of our life.

God has a perfect plan for each of us and it is up to us to accept and follow what we know is His will. God is not willing that anyone perish but has made a way clear for our salvation.  If you have not already done son, say Yes to Jesus today. Yes, Jesus come into my heart, and I will follow you.

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