Matthew tells us a story about Jesus and the disciples who crossed the Kidron Valley to the Mount of Olives where there was a garden known as Gethsemane.

The name comes from Hebrew words that mean oil press.

The garden was a small private plot of ancient olive trees on the lower slope (or base) near Jerusalem.

It was beautiful and quiet.

Jesus told the disciples to sit and “withdrew from them about a stone’s throw” (Luke 22:41a, CSB).

He prayed, “Father, if it is possible (and if you are willing), let this cup pass (and take it) from me” (Matthew 26:39b & Luke 22:42a).

What is the “cup” and what is in it? It’s the cup of death and judgment.

It was his death but our fault and it was his blood but our stain.

He prayed, “Father, if this cannot pass, unless I drink it…” (Matthew 26:42b).

I imagine the rest: I will drink it. I will bleed. I will die.

In that moment, “his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44b).

The Greek word agonia means anguish or intense struggle.

It’s a rare condition (called hematidrosis) in which extreme stress causes tiny blood vessels to break.

Because he was grieved to the point of death (Matthew 26:38a).

He wants us to drink from the “cup” he drank (Mark 10:39) but not the cup of death.

He drank that one alone.

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20b).

Jesus, I can’t imagine what you felt, but I know what you did. You poured out your body for me so I will pour out my heart for you.

In Jesus name, amen.

Until next week — Aiden

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