What is Your Gethsemane? (Matthew 26:39)

Jesus spent quality time with His closest friends at the Last Supper. After dinner he washed their feet and then led them to the garden of Gethsemane where He prayed three times. He prayed in anguish that the Father would take away His cup of suffering, but added, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Matthew 26:39).

Jesus knew what was coming.  We might think because He was God He would be exempt from the pain of ridicule, rejection and crucifixion. Yet, He was also true man. Jesus knew He would feel the mockery deep in His heart. He knew He would feel the pain of the nails piercing His hands and feet. He endured the cross because He loved us so much He didn't want any of us to perish in our sin, but to live with Him forever in a place He is preparing for us. Through His sacrifice we have forgiveness and are made right with God the Father. What joy there will be in Heaven when we all get together! Meantime, we have a few things to do. 

Jesus endured the cross because He could see what was on the other side of His suffering--sitting at the right hand of the Father. He was buried and rose from His grave. After His resurrection, He gave His  His last will and testament to His followers: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). This is known as the Great Commission. I am a home-body and love my comfort zone so I resist getting out of it. However, God has called me to task, and that is going out and sharing the love of Jesus. When I volunteer at the hospital or lead Bible studies for women, God blesses me far beyond my imagination. I didn't know about the blessings before I followed Jesus' command to "go."

Think About It
What about you? Do you have a ministry? Do you hesitate to go out because others might ignore you, reject you or oppose you? It's a sacrifice, but so far, no one has spit on me or hurt me physically. I rely on the promise at the end of Jesus' Great Commission: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Jesus suffered alone, but we don't have to. He is always with us. He will never ask anything of us that He doesn't equip us and empower us to do.

Pray About It
Thank you Lord Jesus, for your faithfulness. Thank you for the confidence we have when we go out to reach the lost, knowing you are with us. Thank you for the blessings that come every time we step out of our comfort zones to serve You. In your powerful name, Amen.

---