Suffering, resurrection and Christian love – day 3
Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane (part 3)
Se(di)ngolwa (t)sa Bibele
LUKA 22
JOHANNE 3
Every Christian feels uneasy when they read this verse. Can it be that Jesus endured so much pain and anguish for you and I? Jesus was afraid, so afraid that his sweat became like drops of blood. The phenomenon Luke describes here is known as hematidrosis in medical science. There are historical references of people who have experienced it when they were, unexpectedly, given a death sentence. Around the sweat glands, there are multiple blood vessels in a net-like form. Under the pressure of great stress, these vessels can rupture. The blood mixes with sweat and gives the impression that the person is sweating blood.
The anguish that Jesus experienced must have been excruciating. He carried the sins of humanity. His whole heart and mind would have been under the strain of it. It was so bad that God sent an angel because he knew that Jesus needed support.
Now, imagine how much hurt and anguish it caused God to see his child suffer like that. God loved the world so much that he gave his son the punishment for sin, so that you and I may share in eternal life!
It is in these circumstances that John 3:16 becomes a reality for each of us. Could it be that you and I do not take this wonderful invitation seriously?
Wherever you are right now, take a moment to be still before God and think about what he has done for you.
