The Crushing

The Crushing John 12:27 AMPC Now My soul is troubled and distressed, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour [of trial and agony]? But it was for this very purpose that I have come to this hour [that I might undergo it].

The most sacred place to visit in Jerusalem is the Garden of Gethsemane (Gat shemanim in Hebrew - meaning oil press).

It was Jesus' terrible "waiting room" - a place of facing the whole weight of His impending ordeal on the cross.

Luke's account explains in graphic detail how Jesus' will was being literally crushed (like an ancient oil press ground down olives until oil was produced).

He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:41-44

Jesus turned His horror and crushing into a desperate prayer.

We should too.

We'll never avoid crises - for believers they are promised - turn those worries into cries for help to Your Loving Heavenly Father.

Jesus needed to be braced supernaturally to get through His Passion.

He was literally haemoraging from the stress of what was ahead of Him.

"In the garden, you made up Your mind to be my Saviour. You prayed that the Father would deliver You if there was any other way. But the price you had to pay."

Let's take time to peer into that garden today and pour out our thanks to our precious Lord Jesus.

Lord help me when I'm crushed with sorrow or pain to turn my cries into desperate prayer. Help me remember Your agony with a grateful heart - for it brought my freedom from sin and death.