Jesus Christ's crucifixion is a major focal point of Christianity. Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected so that our sins may be forgiven and we can be resurrected and live forever with Him. Latter-day revelation, as recorded in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, gives insight in addition to what is recorded in the New Testament.
Matthew and Mark tell us that as Jesus and the eleven apostles reached the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was feeling very heavy, sorrowful, and sore amazed. Eight of the eleven stayed behind while Peter, James, and John went with Jesus farther into the Garden. Leaving them to watch and pray, Jesus went a stone's throw farther to be by himself. What happened there? It is recorded that something was so horrendous that Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, cried out twice in anguish for His Father to release Him from the bitter cup if it be possible, but nevertheless, He would do His Father's will. Only Luke records that something so terrible was happening that great drops of blood seeped out of His skin like sweat and fell to the ground. An angel was sent from heaven to strengthen Him, but he couldn't be released from His suffering until His mission was accomplished.
Was Jesus' ordeal in Gethsemane related to fear of His coming crucifixion? No! Although He knew it would be a terribly painful ordeal, that was not why He was in such great distress. I quote from the N.T. study guide: "As a mortal you are unable to fully understand the significance of the sufferings, the sorrow, and the anguish of soul endured by the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane; for what mortal could comprehend the intensity of the physical, mental, and spiritual pain Jesus suffered when he took upon himself the punishment and remorse incident to the sins of all mankind? Yet, you may understand in part; and the words of the Savior give you a glimpse of what was experienced in the Garden. To the Prophet Joseph Smith the Lord said of the suffering of that hour,
"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink-- Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (D&C 19:18, 19.)
It was mostly in the Garden where Jesus suffered and paid the demands of justice for all who obey Him and repent of their sins. It came upon Him again the next day while hanging on the cross. He cried out in anguish, asking why His Father had forsaken Him (as had happened in the Garden) It was necessary that He complete His atoning sacrifice by Himself, that He tread "the winepress alone" (Isa. 63:3; D&C 76:107; 88:106; 133:48,50).
No comments:
Post a Comment