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Walking in Truth Devotional Update, The Prayer in Gethsemane
The Prayer in Gethsemane
(Mat 26:30, 36-46; Mk 14:26, 32-42; Lk 22:39-46; Jn 18:1)
Guy Roberson
Jesus and His disciples arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus said to them: ”Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He then withdrew from them and knelt and prayed.
What makes this scene so astonishing is the fact that Jesus is seen fearless whether in the temptations in the wilderness when face to face with Satan or when confronting the religious leaders. His preaching was also fearless. He was always in control and in full power when casting out demons and healing the sick.
Mark’s parallel report says, “he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them” (Mark 14:33, 34). Jesus entered Gethsemane not to escape death, but to prepare for death. Jesus came to earth to die for the sins of mankind (For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” Mark 10:45).
Jesus knew that death is the “wages of sin” (Rom. 6:23)—and that he would pay the total wages in full. 2) He also knew that death is a result of the judgment of God (cf. Rom. 5:12)—and that he would bear that judgment. 3) He knew that he would become sin (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21). 4) He knew that death would bring on him the wrath of God (cf. 1 John 2:2). That is why Jesus was filled with such unremitting dread. Therefore, this is why he was so fearful. But add to all that the fact that He knew He would experience the terrible Roman beating before the crucifixion and would be in a weaken condition. Many died during such beatings. Jesus knew that He might not live to fulfill His purpose in coming to earth. That fear was the reason for his prayer, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Was Jesus’ prayer heard? The writer of Hebrews, apparently referring explicitly to Gethsemane, comments, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission” (Luke 5:7). His submission was “yet not my will, but yours be done.” That is the prayer God answers. Jesus did not succumb to death before the crucifixion. Jesus’ prayer was a prayer of great faith because he trusted the Father with everything. All true prayers of faith end with, “yet not my will, but yours be done.” Such supreme concern with doing the Father’s will culminated in this amazing act of submission. In the greatest display of obedience that will ever be known, Jesus took the full chalice of man’s sin and God’s wrath, looked and in a steel act of his will drank it all!
We cannot conceive “the degree of suffering, both mentally and bodily, which an entirely sinless person like our Lord would endure in paying the penalty for our sins (Rom.4:25). The closing words to the hymn “Fairest Lord Jesus” come to mind and should stick in our minds:
Beautiful Savior! Lord of the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be Thine.
By Guy Roberson
