READING: Leviticus 1-4, Matthew 26:26-56
“Deeply grieved,” the text says as it describes Jesus’ heart in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Son of God was “deeply grieved to the point of death” (Matt. 26:38). More literally, the words “deeply grieved” mean his soul was “swallowed up in sorrow.”*
He was about to bear the weight of the Father’s wrath against the sins of human beings. He had come for this moment, but the anguish was still real. His was not just a “troubled” heart that was temporarily bothered; rather, His grief was deeply, deeply real – far beyond our human comprehension. The strain had taken Him even to the point of death.
Meanwhile, the pain of His words was not enough to help His disciples remain alert when He sought their prayer support. Their emotional and physical strain had been great enough that “they could not keep their eyes open” (Matt. 26:43). Nevertheless, these fatigued, disobedient men were among those for whom Jesus died. Somehow, He offers grace even to those who sleep when they should be praying.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for loving us even when we’re not always lovable. Forgive me when I sleep rather than pray.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Leviticus 5-7, Matthew 26:57-27:10
*CSB Study notes footnote