MONDAY MEDITATION: Holy Sweat (February 26)

He was in anguish and prayed even more earnestly. His sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. — Luke 22:44

Why did Jesus experience such agony in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of his arrest?

That might sound like a silly question. After all, Jesus saw the bigger picture. He’d predicted his death earlier in his ministry, alluding to it as part of God’s overall plan for salvation. He also knew that pain was a small price to pay. The long term gain for all of humanity was greater than short term loss. If there was any time for him to be stoic and non-emotional, it was in the Garden of Gethesemane.

Here’s a non-scientific hunch about the source of his tears: He simply didn’t want to leave this beautiful world and the beautiful people he loved. His farewell conversation in John 13-17 showcases the strong feelings he had for those around him. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” “Love one another as I have loved you.”

One of the things that must have attracted people to Jesus was how he gave them his special, undivided interest and attention. He did that not because it was in a manual for leaders but because it was in his heart: He simply loved, cared for, and was deeply concerned for everyone he met.

And now, on the last night of his life, he had trouble saying goodbye. It’s as if John knew this would happen when he prefaced his relating Jesus’ final conversation with, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them fully.” (John 13:1) 

Maybe today is the day to remember and celebrate how special people deeply touch, or have touched, our lives. Loving them connects with how Jesus loved.

Today is also a great day to remember what it feels like to be loved like this.

“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”