By Kerry Knight, Emerald Beach Church of Christ
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say?
Father save me from this hour?
But for this purpose I came to this hour”
John 12:27
The scene of Jesus kneeling in prayer in the garden has stimulated the imagination of the great painters. We think of the light of the moon filtering through the olive trees, casting a web of shadows. A lonely figure is in anguish. Deep in careless sleep, His companions are oblivious of the Masters agony. The tension is palpable. The torches and swords of the soldiers and priests approaching can be faintly seen. And we hear the soft, almost whispering, words of Jesus:
“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 awakens His disciples with these words: “Rise, let us be going “ (Matthew 26:46. Going where? Was this the moment when they must leave the Gethsemane and seek safety far from the garden and Jerusalem? Had they already plotted to cross the Jordan (a journey of 20 miles) and then make their way to Perea, which was the route north, back to Galilee? But that would not make sense. The Romans would certainly look for Jesus in Galilee, His previous home. Would they take refuge at Qumran in the hills near the Dead Sea, and home of the Essenes? But there is no indication in the Bible that Jesus ever had contact with the Essenes. Jesus and the disciples would not have journeyed to Caesarea, a seaport, with plans to sail away, for that was the home of Pilate. All of this speculation is unnecessary. When Jesus said, “Let us be going,” He was not speaking of escaping at all. He was ready to meet his betrayer and the soldiers, coming into the garden to arrest Him. Yes, Jesus might have had a heart of trouble, but He was the Son of God and His prayers with His Father had given Him enormous courage.
He knew full well that His hour had arrived. It was now His purpose to save the world.
