Matthew 26:31-56 More Betrayal

Jesus took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane after the meal.  The name means "oil press", and with oil often symbolizing the Holy Spirit, it certainly seems fitting.  It's tempting to say that a long day, travel, and a big meal can lead to sleepiness, but Jesus commanded His disciples to watch and pray, and gave Peter personal warnings, yet all of them failed to obey His command.  Even His use of the prophecy in Zechariah 13:7 had no effect.

I cherished my commentary's discussion of Jesus agonizing over what was to come.  It's  easy to say that Jesus the divine had come to see what we humans cherish about physical life and that He was agonizing over the upcoming loss of it.  But my commentary said, "Jesus was not wrestling with God's will or resisting God's will.  He was yielding Himself to God's will.  As perfect Man, He felt the awful burden of SIN, and His holy soul was repelled by it.  Yet as the Son of God, He knew that this was His mission in the world.  The mystery of His humanity and deity is seen vividly in this scene."

Judas' multiple kisses used to identify Jesus to the guards were repulsive, particularly since Jesus identified Himself to them.  

Father, it's beyond our ability to understand the nastiness of sin that Your Son must have felt.  I can never thank Him enough for taking on mine!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford