This post is part of a series that will take us up to the Easter holiday that celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord.

Mark 14:32–42 (ESV) – 32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 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.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

It may be too easy for us to dismiss that Jesus actually suffered as he went to the cross to pay for the sins of mankind. It is hard for us to come to terms with one who is both fully divine and fully man. How can God suffer? When we read the words that Jesus “began to be greatly distressed and troubled”, we must see the anguish and stress. When we hear him tell his disciples, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death,” we get an understanding, in his own words, how Jesus was feeling.

Even though the events leading to the cross were greatly troubling for our Savior, still he went. He knew he had to bear our penalty if there was to be any hope for mankind. He gave himself as a sacrifice. He took the mocking, the beatings, the pain of the nails, and he died for us. He did this because he loved us. He did this so we could have forgiveness and life. May we remember that our salvation came not easily, but with great cost and difficulty. Our Lord had to suffer and die. And that is what he did for us.

Lord, help us to remember the seriousness of our sin and the great price that was paid for our redemption. Thank you for loving us so. Amen.

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