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We are considering the temptations of Christ, how he suffered for us
and therefore knows everything about us in a way that the Father does
not. In Matthew fourteen is recorded the story of Peter walking
on the water when Jesus bid him come and succeeding until he saw the
wind boisterous and beginning to sink cries out to Jesus to save
him. Jesus then stretches out his hand and caught him saying “ O
thou of little faith, wherefore did you doubt?” The
parallel with Jesus in Gethsemane is striking. Up to Gethsemane
Jesus is confident and willing to die by crucifixion but in the garden
he takes his eye off the path and begins to focus on the problem.
He steps out of the present and into the future and his faith is tested
tremendously. He even asks the Father to remove the cup if it
were possible (Father save me) yet he himself has said that all things
are possible with God. At Gethsemane Jesus experiences the
weakness of Peter as his faith gives way to fear. Jesus knows us. He knows the weakness of the human condition and has overcome it. He is there to help all who cry out to him for deliverance and salvation. He knows in a way that is personal and experienced first hand. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to keep us on the path and stay in the present. If fear is an issue in your life Jesus is the answer. If you are baptized in the Holy Spirit and the word of God is living and active, you too will overcome. Jesus knows and understands and can deliver. Put your trust in him. Amen. |