What would you do if you knew you were going to die soon? Many people would choose to make amends, rack up a bunch of credit card debt, skydive, or hug everyone they love. Death was at the doorway for Jesus. This reality didn’t make Him reckless; it actually pushed Him towards his two most cherished relationships. He spent some of his last hours with his friends at dinner, and with God in a garden.
If Mark chapter fourteen had a soundtrack, it would sound like a thriller movie. The music would build as Jesus shares the Passover meal with his disciples (14:12-31). Excitement would jump to intensity as Jesus drops a bomb with his statements. I imagine the music would swell as Jesus predicts his denial and betrayal. After chaos and commotion around the table, the music would decrescendo into a somber melody. Jesus is making his way out of the light of the city and into the darkness of the wilderness. Silence and the sound of wildlife would surround our senses as Jesus retreats to the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest.
This is where we are going to pick up the story. Trembling, Jesus pleads with God in the garden. With agony in his voice and tears streaming down his cheeks, he stutters, “Abba, Father. Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (14:35-36). Sorrow has overcome our savior because He knows the torment of tomorrow. He knows that His folded hands would have nails pierced through their most sensitive parts. He can practically feel the anguish of his coming crucifixion. His racing heart would eventually stop beating. Complex emotions swirling around his head sent Jesus to His knees in passionate prayer. Imagine this humble and humanizing moment. Jesus cries to God like a child cries to their parent. He sobs, “Abba, Father.” This is the Jewish relational title for Dad. It’s very similar to when a kid says “Papa” or “Daddy.” This goes to show the deep and relational bond here. He’s speaking to God with the same language that almost every Jewish child would use to address their father. After wiping tears from His cheeks, Jesus sees blood smeared on His hands. Luke’s gospel recounts that his anguish caused Him to sweat blood. This is a scientific phenomenon called Hematidrosis. This trauma occurs when someone is under such extreme stress and anxiety that their vessels explode and flow from their pores.
Christ continues asking God to “take this cup.” Jesus had just shared a Passover meal with his followers where he handed them a glass of deep-red wine and claimed, “this is my blood” (14:24). When Jesus asks for God to remove this cup, He’s asking God to consider another plan. We must never think that the cross was easy for Jesus. Sheer imagination of the torture caused Him unbearable distress.
God’s will didn’t line up with His wants. However, Jesus willingly submitted to the Farther’s plan, despite the oncoming pain. When you love someone, you will do anything for them. This moment in the garden is proof of the great lengths God will go for you. The cross is not about appeasing a vengeful God. It’s evidence of a loving Savior who would rather sacrifice Himself than see his beloved followers face punishment.
Jesus submitted to God’s will. He went to the cross and faced unimaginable pain. However, there is hope at the end of this horror. The world saw a crucifixion — God saw a resurrection.