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Good Friday

This Friday is one of the most important days in history. We see Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with one more prayer before he would be taken away to be crucified. The Garden of Gethsemane overlooks the city of Jerusalem and Jesus was most likely looking out towards the city while he was there, seeing his fate right in front of him. Jesus took his three closest friends with him, Peter, James, and John.

He prayed three times for the opposite of God’s will. His humanity shows as he longs for a different way, though he knows that this is what must be done. Jesus says his soul is overwhelmed to the point of death, referencing Psalms. Even in his most emotional and deep moments he quotes scripture, showing how deeply God’s words are implanted in his heart.

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you feel like you are dying? Jesus shows us that we do not need to hide from intense feelings like these. In fact, we can cry out to God and be honest with our prayers. Jesus modeled vulnerability for us.

Unfortunately, being a Christian does not mean our life will be easy or free from pain. But we have a savior that knows everything we are feeling because he felt it himself. Our God is a God of empathy and compassion. When we are at our lowest moments, we can be comforted by the fact that God is with us. Jesus experienced the pain of crucifixion so we may live in freedom.

Freedom does not mean the absence of pain but the presence of a loving God.

Today remember and honor a good savior who empathizes with your pain.