Daily Devotions
March 31st, 2010 by Pastor SolleyLuke 22:39-46
39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
How often I wonder what Jesus was praying about or for in the garden that night. I know He was not praying to get out of or away from the cross. The cross was the very reason Jesus came into this world. Just one word from Jesus in prayer and thousands of angels would have rushed from heaven to His aid and there would have been no cross, no salvation. What drove Jesus to His knees, what brought such tears to His eyes? He prayed most likely to be able to stand up in His humanity to the brutalities of the cross. To stand up under the pressure of the sins of the world settling at that moment on His shoulders. But I think as well He prayed for the souls of men. Jesus knew then how many would receive His free gift of salvation and how many would reject. Jesus prayed for the lost to get saved. I think as well He prayed for those who would receive Him, that they would somehow understand what Jesus endured for them and that would lead them to serve and follow Him. I often think that Jesus looked down through the ages at me today and how I at times treat Him. Not badly some would say but not as I should. At how at times I am world driven and not Christ centered. At how at times I do not love as I should, live as I should, pray as I should. When Jesus saved me He gave me victory over the world if I just give my life to Him at all times. How it must break His heart when I don’t with the price He paid so I could. Jesus did much for me, did much for all of us. Let us not break His heart today.