Sweating Courage

I know that services all over the world will take place tonight in observance of Maundy Thursday...the beginning events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. According to Wikipedia (not that I use all that often)most scholars agree that the English word Maundy in that name for the day is derived through Middle English, and Old French mandé, from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" ("A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you"), the statement by Jesus in the Gospel of John (13:34).

As Jesus walked to the cross, he was leaving morsels of truth to help his disciples, of whom he calls friends in Jn. 15, continue in the work of the Gospel. But I can't help but wonder one if one of the most significant moments of the Easter events isn't in the garden before Galgotha...

It is recorded that Jesus sweat blood while in the garden...a sign of incredible stress and anguish. It's here that Jesus prays, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but yours, be done." Jesus is struggling, hurting, stressed, overwhelmed in such a way that his body responds by sweating blood. Although Jesus is obedient, sacrificial, unwavering, the word that comes to mind is courageous.

Jesus had courage.
Courage to go through with it.
It wasn't all just talk.
It wasn't all just a show.
It wasn't all just a put on.
More than prophecy fulfilled, it was extraordinarily brave.

Knowing that his entire incarnational experience is pointing to this moment, and knowing what he is about to endure, he courageously stands and meets the crowd of accusers who will lead him to six different trials, to be beaten, scourged, and eventually crucified.

What incredible courage our Savior had to meet his purpose head on.

I hope that when tests come my way to prove my purpose as a faithful follower of Christ, I'll be half as brave.

"Jesus, faithful King, Lord with grateful hearts we sing, how great is the love of our Savior. The weight of the cross, the curse of our shame, you carried it all and rose from the grave. How great is the love of our Savior!" - Meredith Andrews, singer/songwriter