John 12:27 (NKJV)
(Jesus said), “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say?  ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.”

Place yourself in the sandals of Jesus.  First, His soul was troubled.  We so often think of Jesus the healer, Jesus the miracle worker, and Jesus the Son of God, that we sometimes forget that He was not only God, but also Man.  He experienced what we experience; times of joy, times of sorrow, and times of trouble.  Fully God and fully human was Jesus the Christ.  All will face times of trouble.  Jesus promised this (John 16:33).  It is important to remember that a time of anguish came upon Jesus before the cross. 

Secondly, Jesus cried out to His Father to, “Save Me from this hour.”  We would be lying if we said we never cried out to God to save us from something or someone.  Life has its challenges and many times life is not easy.  “Lord, please save me from this illness!”  “Dear God, please save me from what appears to be an impossible situation on my job!”  “Father, please save me from my enemies!”  “Jesus, please save me from drugs and alcohol as it is destroying my family!” It is important to remember that Jesus asked to be saved; saved from the torture of the cross. 

Thirdly, Jesus understood completely the mission that lied ahead of Him.  He accepted it without one ounce of disobedience as He said, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, NKJV).  Many of us fail at this junction, or at least take a long time to come to terms with whatever situation we find ourselves in.  We may prolong our visit to the dentist, or the dreaded conversation with our employer; hanging on to a power we will eventually lose.  It is important to remember that Jesus abandoned His will for His Father’s will for the sake of the cross and others. 

Holy Week is filled with emotional swings.  If we limit this experience to Resurrection Sunday only, we are missing out on many events that make this day as powerful as it is.  It is good to remember the cross and the story lines that are associated with this day referred to as “Good Friday”.  It is important to remember that Jesus was in anguish before the cross.  For in this moment, His obedience was on full display for all the world to see.  He accepted the Father’s will and, in doing so, provided the hope of salvation for all who believe in Him.  No one enjoys troubled times, but how do we handle them?  It is important to remember the example Jesus provides for us in Scripture; days before nails would pierce His hands and His feet.  It is important to remember.

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