Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
Matthew 26:38 KJV
The Context and Charge:
The last supper was done, a hymn was sung, and Jesus and his disciples were off to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus knew very well what was ahead: the suffering, pain and rejection, but He also knew the earthly and eternal benefits that would follow his sacrifice. And as a great blessing to us, his humanity shone through. His soul was extremely sorrowful, even to the point of death. He was feeling our pain, as he shared our humanity. This is one of the place where heaven met earth, and we could see that Jesus was like the people he had come to save.
We now have hope that because of his sacrifice and the new life he has secured for us, we can now look forward to taking on that new life as we believe in that sacrifice, and surrender our lives to him. This is an important step in the process: trust and surrender. The disciples had front-row seats to the battle for the souls of men; at that time, they did not know the full extent of what was going on, but today, we stand where we are now, because of the events surrounding today's extract. Have I surrendered to the One who went through this agony for me?
The Contention and Conclusion:
Just as he told his disciples then, so does He speak to us today. The sacrifice Jesus made calls for eternal vigilance so we do not lose the blessings His death and life have sealed for us. He told his disciples to tarry and watch with him then, and he speaks to us today too to tarry in the place of prayer, fervent devotion to him, and service to others out of hearts that know the value of what was given. It is also a call to watch too; events around us keep telling us that we don't have much time. Not long after these words, the cross, the grave and the resurrection followed.
The end of that sacrifice is also close; just as Jesus went to the cross and laid down his life willingly, so will he return one day to take with him all those who had willingly given their lives to Him. He is not coming to repeat the cross; that is a one-time sacrifice valid for as long as this earth remains. I must tarry and watch in the place of prayer, being careful that my daily pursuits and priorities line up with God's expectations. The end of all tarrying and watching draws near. While I wait, I must be on guard, keeping safe that which has been delivered into my hands. I have the life of God in me, if I have surrendered my life to Jesus. Have you? God's time of favour is here.
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