Jesus in the Garden
For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.
John 10:17-18
Jesus was God in the flesh, the Lamb of God, the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. This was God’s plan for redeeming mankind through Jesus his Son. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (Ezekiel 36:27) When Jesus died on the cross, arose 3 days later, 40 days later ascended into heaven, and he sends his Spirit to the believer.
Jesus with his apostles went to the garden of Gethsemane the evening before his crucifixion. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray (Matthew 26:36) Jesus knew what was facing him and being in the flesh he was fearful just as we would be fearful. And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will. (Matthew 26:39) Jesus asks the Father for another way to redeem mankind instead of death by crucifixion. Imagine the Father looking down from heaven at his Son in the garden, face to the ground pleading for mercy, but still willing to follow his Father’s will. An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (Luke 22:43) The Father said no, there is no other way, and he sent and angel to strengthen him. Jesus obeyed the Father and became the Lamb of God taking our sins to the cross.
What does this tell us about the heart of the Father and the heart of Jesus? The reason the Father sent his Son to the cross and the reason Jesus obeyed the Father is because the love the Father and the Son have for you and me. This reveals the desire God has to save us and to be with us for all eternity. No one wants to save us and give us eternal life more than God.
Jesus’s love for the Father and for us, gave him the strength to overcome his fear. He knew he would arise three days later and the Father would glorify him. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18) Jesus endured the cross knowing he was offering salvation for everyone, redeeming mankind to the Father.
We can endure whatever Satan places in our path, overcoming our fear and experience victory in Christ and blessing from the Lord. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. (Deuteronomy 20:4) Whenever we face difficult trials remember Jesus in the garden, and overcome fear knowing the blessings that follows victory in Christ.
Today remember Jesus in the garden and the love he has for you. And just as Jesus experienced victory over Satan, let Christ give you victory over Satan. Realize the power that you have in Christ through the Holy Spirit. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Prayer: Lord help me overcome any fear that keeps me from being obedient to your will. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who fills my heart with your love, and I pray this love continues to increase in my heart bringing me closer to you. In Jesus name, Amen