A Glimpse into the Darkest Hour
Imagine yourself on a dark, eerie night, surrounded by twisted olive trees, large rocks, and a low stone fence. The atmosphere is heavy with an air of desperation. Suddenly, you notice a solitary figure lying flat on the ground, face stained with dirt and tears, fists pounding the hard earth, and eyes wide with fear. This is no ordinary person – it’s Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane.
A Far Cry from the Classic Portrait
We’re often familiar with the serene image of Christ kneeling beside a rock, hands peacefully folded in prayer, with a halo over his head. However, the Gospel of Mark paints a vastly different picture. Jesus is described as being overwhelmed with horror and dismay, his heart ready to break with grief. He throws himself on the ground, agonizing, straining, and struggling with fear.
A Man of Sorrows
The writer of Hebrews later wrote that Jesus offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death. This is a far cry from the saintly Jesus we often imagine. Instead, we see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief. We see Jesus in the fog of a broken heart.
When Fear Finds You
The next time you’re engulfed in fear, remember Jesus in the garden. Reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark and recall that you’re not alone in your struggles. Pay a visit to Gethsemane and listen to Jesus pleading among the twisted trees. It may be the closest you’ll ever get to God.
A Pierced Hand Reaches Out
Watch closely, for it may be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one. Jesus’ own suffering encourages us in our times of struggle, reminding us that we’re not alone and that God perceives the pain that prevails on this dusty planet.
Reflecting on Jesus’ Suffering
How does Jesus’ own suffering encourage you in times of struggle? Does it bring you comfort to know that he too has walked the path of fear and desperation?
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