Lonetta McKee
“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44, New International Version).
What a gripping visual this verse of Scripture paints. Here, the intensity of what our Lord was soon to experience is vividly described in his physical response. The torture and subsequent horrific death he would endure were weighing heavily on his heart. But was it that bodily torment that elicited this reaction? Or was it the knowledge that he was about to carry the colossal load of the sins of the world? Or perhaps even more so, the anticipation of the agony he would suffer of being separated from his Father for the first time?
During his earthly sojourn Jesus was constantly in touch with his Father. Emphasizing this are his words in John 10:30 when he said, “I and the Father are one.” But for one pivotal moment, that cord of oneness and communication was snapped. Jesus hung on the cross and languished alone without the presence and support of his Father.
Hear the guttural cry of deep anguish in his words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It is important to note that as he acknowledged this separation, he did not address his lament to “My Father” rather “My God.” In a moment of severe distress, Jesus’ recognition of being alone affected his sense of familiarity.
As we come into this sacred time, let us remember that our Savior exhibited the greatest love ever known when he went to the cross to atone for our sins. And let’s remember that his crucifixion ensured that his Father’s presence would never leave us—that we would never have to encounter that abject feeling of detachment from him as our Lord did.
We have the promise in Hebrews 13:5. “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
Lonetta McKee is a Christian writer living in Los Angeles, Calif. She blogs at “Living Before God’s Face” (livingbeforegodsface.com).
Author: Christian Standard
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