Jesus is the ultimate illustration of commitment. There were many instances during His earthly life that, from a human perspective, would have caused the faint of heart to quit. The text of Scripture repeatedly allows us to see His unbreakable resolve to fulfill the mission decreed by God, described by the prophets and displayed on the cross of Calvary. His mission was not an ordinary mission.
“For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:19
I am glad while pursuing this extraordinary mission experiencing the crucible of some of the most intense hardships known to man He didn’t quit. Some of the most stressful and painful moments Jesus faced occurred during the time of year we know as Passion Week.
Arguably one of the most pivotal moments occurred in the garden when Jesus experienced what could have been a crisis moment in the program of God. He wanted freedom from the “cup” of suffering. Yet Jesus yielded to the Father’s will in the face of personal pain and struggle.
Luke chronicles this moment using language that captures the intensity of the struggle Jesus faced.
“When He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation. And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.” Luke 22:41-44
Notice the text indicated that as Christ agonized in prayer over His temptation, He began to sweat. His sweat came as a result of the agony he was experiencing. It was not ordinary sweat. Jesus’ pressure was so great that His body produced clots “thrombosis” of blood.
Jesus experienced a medical condition called hermatidrosis. It is very rare but possible for a person to be under such great pressure that the blood vessels around the sweat glands constrict and produce drops of blood. I am so glad that even though the pressure was so great on Him that Jesus experienced hermatidrosis, He did not turn back.
This season gives us a chance to celebrate the fact that placing our personal faith in Jesus Christ reconciles us to God and provides us an opportunity to participate in God’s eternal purpose for others because Jesus did not turn back. I hope during this special season of the year we take a moment to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and thank God He allows us to share in His eternal purpose.
“Father thank you for reconciling us to you through Jesus’ sacrifice. Thank you for allowing us to participate in your eternal purpose. As we reflect on your love may we commit ourselves to investing our lives in knowing you and helping others experience the power and joy of a life committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ! In our moments of struggle please strengthen us so we can fulfill your mission for our personal lives. In Jesus Name.”
May you and your family experience a blessed resurrection season! He is risen!
Dr. Larry A. Mercer
President
You are invited to join the WBC/CBS community in a celebration of the season on Saturday evening in Miles Chapel:
DayBreak Celebration!
Join us for a night of worshipping the One who overcame the world.
6:00pm-9:00pm
Washington Bible College Miles Chapel
Lanham, MD
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