Luke 22:41-44
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Even though we know Jesus was fully man, as well as fully God, it is hard for me to imagine Jesus as afraid. It is difficult for me to focus on Jesus and his suffering. Why did he allow this to happen as it did? Jesus could certainly have taken an easier, more comfortable approach to the end of his mortal days. But if he had done that, how would we look upon him as a teacher, or an example of perfect servanthood? Jesus went to His Father in prayer. He put his fear at God’s feet.
Lord God, these verses are painful and confusing ones. But you are here, you were there, and you always will be. I am thankful for your unwavering presence. I am thankful for the comfort and strength you are willing to pour out on your people when they come to you and ask. Amen
Becky, transforming
Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 ( 6th day of Lent)
Luke 22:41-44
And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
This scripture is so sad to read, I can’t even begin to fathom his heartache, knowing what he was going tthrough. Looking at this scripture in our world today, we know the end of the story and await Good Friday. But we see…
Luke 22:41-44
How many times have read or heard these verses and yet today, as if for the first time, I read, “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” How could I have overlooked this? At the peak of Jesus’ struggle with what lay before Him, the Father sent help. Lucado stressed the fact that Jesus went before the Father seeking strength, but he did not mention that right in the text, the Father answered that prayer. So it is with us. We are assured not that God will remove all our trials, but that He will provide the strength we need to endure them. In my weakness is His strength.
Prayer - Heavenly Father, You are…