March 20

Matthew 26:36-46 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (v. 38-39)

Observation

It was now time. God came into the world for this. Jesus came so that all the sins of every single person who ever lived and has yet to live would be laid on Him. Jesus would take our place. Jesus would need to bear it all for us. And in this moment Jesus, God the Son will be separated from God the Father. The anguish and emotion here is palpable. As this same scene is described in Luke, Jesus was praying so earnestly that "his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." (Luke 22:44)

Application

I think most Christians are familiar with this passage. As I thought about this passage for some time, I am reminded again just how much God loves me and how much He loves my neighbor. At times, I can say 1,000 times "God loves me" and truly believe it, but it may have little life transforming effect. I think these verses remind us that God the Son, the Lord of All suffered the greatest of all suffering, a type we cannot even come close to fathom or imagine, because He wanted to free us and save us. Wow, what love is this, what did I do to deserve it...NOTHING. It was only by His Grace. "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).

Prayer

Lord because of Your love we are free. Thank you Lord. Lord help us to long for intimacy with you. May your love for us transform us to likewise love those around us--to love our spouses, our children, our parents; to love the outcasts, the neglected, the poor and despised. In Jesus name, Amen.

--jyim