During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

Hebrew 5:7

 

Before Easter, I often think of what Jesus went through in the Garden of Gethsemane shortly before the crucifixion. Nowhere in the Gospels is Jesus seen so emotionally distraught. In earnest prayer, he cried out to his Father—dreading what was to come. The verse above tells us that although his Father heard him, he was not saved from physical torture and death. But he was saved from the “power” of death. His death was not the end of the story.

Jesus suffered out of love for us. He died so that we can live at peace with God. Quoting Bible.org: “The measure of Christ’s agony at Gethsemane is the measure of the love of God for sinners, which caused him to die that we might live.” It is indeed an amazing love.

Jesus was utterly alone during all he did for our salvation. The disciples did not understand and tried to resist by drawing the sword. They did not watch and pray with Jesus when he asked them to. They didn’t stay by his side during his hour of grief. Jesus suffered and died alone, without the support of even his closest followers. He gave his all for us but was crucified alone. Crucified as though he was evil.

Many of us have suffered, but none of us could suffer to the degree Jesus did. When we complain about our pain—as probably many of us do—consider the unbelievable pain he must have experienced. Consider the blood he shed—for all of us.

Jesus knows pain. He understands our pain better than anyone could. When you suffer, remember Jesus and his immense suffering. The scripture above tells us that God heard his outcries. In our deepest pain Jesus can hear our cries in the same way.

When people don’t understand our pain, Jesus does. He will not leave us alone. In fact, if we let him, he will walk beside us through our suffering. Jesus will help us endure whatever we might be feeling. He cares and has compassion.

When you’re hurting or when you’re afraid, don’t keep it inside. Cry out to Jesus in prayer. You can be sure he will hear.

He lives!

May Easter and the promise of new life be a blessing to you.

marja

I hope you’ll have a listen to this old gospel song: “Were You There When They Crucified our Lord?” by ReThink Worship  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJUX733ovGI