Conclusion of Agony In The Garden

Finally, a third time, Jesus goes away, about the distance of a stone's throw, and on bended knees, with strong outcries and tears, he prays: "Father, if you wish, remove this cup from me." Jesus keenly feels severe pains because of the reproach that his death as a criminal will bring on his Father's name. Why, to be charged as a blasphemer-one who curses God-is almost too much to bear!

Nevertheless, Jesus continues to pray: "Not want I want,but what you want." Jesus obediently submits to his will to God's. At this time, an angel from heaven appears and strengthens him with some encouraging words. Likely, the angel tells Jesus that he has his Father's smile of approval.

Yet, what a weight is on Jesus' shoulders! His own eternal life and that of the whole human race hangs in the balance. The emotional stress is enormous. So Jesus continues praying more earnestly, and his sweat becomes as drops of blood as it falls to the ground. "Although this is a very rare phenomenon," observes The Journal of the American Medical Association,"bloody sweat . . . may occur in highly emotional states."

Afterward, Jesus returns for a third time to his apostles, and once more finds them sleeping. They are exhausted from sheer grief. "At such a time as this you are sleeping and taking your rest! He exclaims. "It is enough! The hour has come ! Look! The Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look! My betrayer has drawn near." While he is yet speaking, Judas Iscariot approaches, accompanied by a large crowd carrying torches and lamps and weapons. Matthew 26:30. 36-47; 16:21-23; Mark 14:26, 32-43; Luke 22:39-47; John 18:1-3; Hebrews 5:7.

Next time:Betrayal And Arrest

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991