On the evening before a death row inmate is to be executed the mind of the inmate is spinning non-stop. They most likely experience profound phycological collapse with a huge range of emotional thoughts. Feelings of isolation, regret, and sometimes an apology for their actions. Some of their last statements include speaking of those they love and concern about spirituality. The mind shifts to focus on their past, present and future and maybe even where they will spend eternity. They experience a huge sense of loss as they face the end of their life in a few hours.
Jesus was experiencing some of these same emotions the night before his execution. He and a few of His disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus knew the hour was coming and being fully human and fully God he knew all to well what must happen to His earthly body be the sacrificial lamb for the world.
Matthew 26:36-46 NIV Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
In a moment of desperation, in His human body, the mind of Jesus was spinning, and thoughts of the extreme pain and suffering of a slow and agonizing death was upon his soul. Anguish was gripping at him knowing he had only hours to live. He turned to the Father and pleaded to see if there was any other way but made sure, he included “your will be done.” He knew Himself this was the only way, but he was still a man and could feel pain. Moments later Jesus was arrested and taken away.
Jesus gave up His life for the all sinners of the world, dying for us in our place. He did not deserve this painful death. Living a sin free life, He allowed all sin to be placed upon Him so we could live in reconciliation with God. The sacrifice had to take place and He knew it.
None of us deserve eternal life in Heaven. None of us sinners are worthy of eternity with God. It should have been us on that cross, not Jesus. He took our pain and suffering for our sins and bore them once and for all time. Never, ever take lightly what Jesus did for you and me and even the evilest of the world in hope they too will someday turn from evil and come to Him. God does not want any to perish but for all of us to come to know Him in a personal way. He waits with open arms for our return to the safety of His protection and care. He desires for us to abide in Him every moment of every day.
Take your focus off your past. The past is just that, your past. Jesus is concerned with what you will do from this day going forward till you meet Him face to face, and we will meet Him someday. Pray, talk to Jesus a lot. Read and study His Word. Surround yourself with friends that are like minded and focused on Christ and sharpen one another in love. Build the closest personal relationship with Jesus that is possible. Even closer than the relationship you have with any other human being. He must be first and foremost, the center of your life. No one or anything should be allowed to make Him second or third or fourth in your life.
“If you love me …..you will keep my commands.”
Jim Everett
