Resurrection Sunday overshadows the events leading up to the empty tomb. But a few days prior to going to the cross, Jesus retreated for a time of intense prayer. More than the physical torture, Jesus struggled with taking on the sins of the world. Perfect God deluged with every deed and nuance of every sinful human—past, present and future.

Jesus suffered all alone. His closest disciples fell asleep. Only he recognized the profound significance of the coming events. Anguish so intense he sweat blood, with no one to lean on for comfort.

And they went to a place called Gethsemane…he began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 

I came across the above painting recently that depicts the intense loneliness and emotional pain Jesus Christ endured as He prayed before his arrest and crucifixion. The artist (Nikolai Ge) depicts our Savior in distress, asking God the Father to remove the cup. Yet from the garden Jesus moved willingly to his humiliation and death. May this haunting portrayal remind us of the lengths Jesus took to secure our souls in him. We truly serve an amazing God.

Luke 14:32-42

See the book Come…meet Jesus for more paintings depicting the life of Christ