Journeying With Jesus - 40 Days Lent DevotionalSample

Today’s reading is just one verse. Yet, those few words are heavy with emotion. We see Jesus alone in the Garden of Gethsemane, crying out to his Father. 

In the rawness of emotion, Jesus cries out, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me…”

He is doubled over in anguish. We see his humanity. He is about to face unbounded physical torture. But worse than that, he knew that he would experience an isolation like never before – when his Father would turn his face away as Jesus took on the depravity and sin of the world. 

And then he continues to pray. “Yet, not as I will, but as you will.”

It was a moment when the human and the divine come together in one of the greatest acts of love and obedience. 

He who knew no sin would become sin so that we might be the righteousness of God. Unbounded grace. Undeserved favor. 

No condemnation now I dread. Jesus, and all in him, is mine. 

Bringing It Home

What’s my response to Jesus’ obedience to God the Father? What’s my response to his anguish in the garden? Do I fall on my knees in worship before a God who knew the torturous journey that lay ahead and yet determined to follow through? Do I allow it to become a personal revelation for my life?

Lean In

Sweet Jesus, I cannot begin to understand that moment in the Garden of Gethsemane. You were alone in the dark of the night. But it was nothing compared to the isolation you would experience on the Cross. Yet you chose to walk in obedience. You demonstrated your love for a hurting humanity by simply saying, “but as you will.” I bow down in awe. Amen