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 further, 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.”

It’s time. It’s time for Jesus to complete the task set before him: to experience humiliation, excruciating physical pain, and to take on the sin of the world, being separated from the Father - all so we can be restored into right relationship with God. Jesus knew this was his ministry and mission all along, to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. Being God’s Son, in perfect union with the Father and Spirit, he knew he was to die. Knowing the plan all along, he even foretold and reminded his followers of it multiple times.

Even though Jesus knew all of this was coming, we still find him in the garden, distressed and in agony. Despite becoming human for this very reason, we still hear Jesus asking the Father if there is another way. Was Jesus unsure of God’s plan? Was he afraid to die, afraid of pain?

Have you ever thought about Jesus sitting around telling jokes with his friends? Have you thought of him humming the Psalms in delight walking along the dusty road? Or can you imagine the sound of Jesus’ knees cracking as he bent down low to the table, weary from a long day of work?

I think it’s easy to read the Scriptures and see the divinity of Jesus and yet pass over the humanity of his existence – because Jesus is incredible! In Scripture we read that he had an answer to everything and everyone; he was patient and kind with the crowds, feeding them miraculously time and time again, calming the storms around him, expelling the demons that bound, and healing those near and far.

Despite Christ’s divinity, Jesus “took on the flesh,” meaning he became like one of us. Hebrews 4:15 says, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin.” Jesus knew what it was like to be tempted and to experience every human emotion we do. In the gospels we see Jesus tired, hungry, angry, hurt and rejected, grievous, frustrated, and in the last of his time on earth, “sorrowful to the point of death.”

The Lord knew that, as much as emotions can separate us from him, they can also draw us near. Jesus uses this emotion to draw near to the Father. With Jesus we see that, in his fear - or whatever complex mix of emotions he felt in the garden - he does not seek to control the Father’s will. Jesus was in perfect communion with the Spirit and the Father. He knew the Father as sovereign and good. He knew it would be excruciating, but he trusted his Father’s perfect will. We too can come to Jesus with our fears. He knows what it means to submit to the will of the Father. He knows what it is to fear, despite also knowing the outcome.

So, what do we do when we experience the unpleasant anxiety of the unknown? The situation that makes us afraid? We use these emotions to draw near to the Father, to commune with him. We can both petition the One who can empathize and understand our emotions yet submit to the divine will of the Father with open hands. What fear do you need to submit to the loving Father today?

Lord, I praise you that you encourage us with Scripture from the Bible. I thank you that you gave us your Son Jesus and he was and is able to understand all that we feel and experience. Help me draw near when I feel afraid. Teach me what it means to fully trust that you are good and in control. Fill me with your Spirit so that I am not controlled by my fear, but can rest in your peace. Amen.