As we approach Easter, we look forward in anticipation of the celebration of Jesus being risen from the dead. However, it is the moments leading up to the cross that continue to draw me in. The experiences that Jesus went through. The range of emotions that he felt. He was fully God, yet fully human. The time that Jesus spent in the garden praying is intriguing. Here, Jesus pleads with the Father to "take this cup from me"....if there is "any other way." Yet, the Heavenly Father says, gently, but firm "No". Jesus was told No. You can hear the anguish in Jesus' words. His Father had just told him no, yet He was still comforted by the Father. We see that an angel was sent to give Jesus strength and comfort. Wow!! A touch from the Father.
Right after that, Jesus goes back to the 3 disciples (who had been sleeping), and says paraphrased, "Ok....it's time to do this. Let's do this now." And at that point, Jesus was strengthened and focused on what was set before Him. The Cross. The place of death for Him. But, as we know, it wasn't the end. Before victory comes small defeats. Death has no victory over Jesus. He is alive!!
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