My mind is dwelling on how we can learn from history.
I want to consider some of the detail recorded in God’s Word. Details of the events of the last supper Jesus had with his 12 disciples. Then, later that evening, how he went apart with a few chosen ones, to agonize and pray to his Father, God.
It’s difficult for me to imagine Jesus’ emotions that night. He, the only begotten Son of God, was aware of the upcoming events. Jesus was not without options. “He could have called ten thousand angels, to destroy the world and set him free…” from “Ten Thousand Angels” by Ray Overholt. So, it seems the prayer in Gethsemane was really an intercession to God the Father, asking whether there might be an alternate option. Jesus prayed, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.”
Jesus’ agony was of an intensity never experienced before or after. “His sweat was as…drops of blood.” Our friend Jesus, was dealing with emotions, and both physical and spiritual agony, never before equalled, nor since. He “knew the truth” like only the Son of God could. Yet he suffered the same human feelings the rest of us suffer. I will not even attempt to elaborate. It is beyond my mind’s comprehension.
Now let’s insert the characters of the day, Jesus’ disciples and friends. They didn’t get it. We have the Bible and its recorded events for reference. We too, don’t always get it. These disciples had no history book. They were living what was to become documented history.
Let’s imagine the thoughts of Judas, when Jesus told the twelve that the one who was to betray him was eating supper with them, even at that very moment. We don’t read of an interrogation. No questions. No demanding answers. It seems there was just a rather numb acceptance.
Peter, the outspoken one, proclaimed that he would never, ever leave Jesus’ side; that he would be the last one left standing with his friend, Jesus. He attempted to make good his intentions when he later cut off the servant’s ear. Jesus looked sadly at Peter, when he declared his fidelity, and said “Before the cock crow twice, you will deny me thrice.” Peter didn’t get it.
After the supper, that first communion, Jesus knew he needed divine help. He knew that the twelve were unable to provide the necessary support for his body of flesh, the support that his human makeup demanded.
Later, on the cross, Jesus was to experience ultimate loneliness when, before he died, he cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Considering mankind, the emotions of those who miss heaven will be most like those that Jesus experienced on the cross. The cry of the sinner, who is aware that he had a choice and will realize eternal damnation. “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
Back to the events of the New Testament. Jesus chose three of his disciples, his best friends, to accompany him. We might say, to provide moral support. They, on his instruction, were asked to tarry, perhaps just outside of the garden gate. Jesus continued into the Garden. Alone with God, he begged for another way, with his love for mankind, and his understanding of the upcoming terror. He begged his Father, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” There was, however, no other way.
Jesus returned to where his friends were. His best friends had fallen asleep. Imagine! Fallen asleep. How human. Soon after, the chief priests and the elders came to Jesus, accompanying Judas. The kiss of betrayal by one of Jesus’ own. Then, the cruel mock-up of a trial. The verdict. The trek up to the hill of Golgotha. Prophesy after prophesy was fulfilled that night. Minute details were falling in place.
Our Redemption was happening! The foundational evidence of the Living Word. Words are ineffective to explain.
As we conclude my weak attempt to portray this event, I would like to draw our attention to two of Jesus’ disciples who, that fateful night, faced their own mortality, with vastly different outcomes.
Judas, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. And who subsequently tried, in the grief that came with realization, to pay for his sin. He returned the money. Threw it on the ground in front of those who had coerced him to sin. Then he went out and took his own life. He didn’t get it. He didn’t understand the purpose of it all. Or perhaps the pride in his life refused to accept. We may never know.
Peter, too, shamed Jesus and embarrassed himself. In spite of his determination and boastful words, he denied Jesus three times. Then he heard the cock crow. He hit the ground praying. He wept tears of remorse and found the cross. Found forgiveness.May we all follow the Peter-example.
