As explained in Luke 22:39-53, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives and His disciples followed. Jesus went there and prayed about the pressure He felt in carrying out His purpose. An angel appeared and He felt strengthened but He was still anguished to the point that sweat fell from Him like drops of blood to the ground (v. 44).

The disciples felt the pressure also but didn’t pray. Choosing to go to sleep instead as they were exhausted from sorrow (v. 45). Jesus told them to get up and pray. While still speaking to them, a group of men led by Judas appeared and Judas approached Jesus to kiss Him but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

The followers of Jesus saw what was happening and one of them struck a servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear (v. 50). What is explained next shows us that Jesus voluntarily submitted to the power of darkness: He touched the man’s ear and healed him (v. 51). This shows us that Jesus had the power to escape but he submitted to the purpose for which God had sent Him which was to die for our sins.

We face many pressures in life. How should we handle them? Jesus made a choice to yield to God’s perfect will. As we make choices, are we going to go through life like Judas who pretended to care for Jesus but really only cared about himself, like Peter who wanted to fight the enemy, or like Jesus who submitted to God’s purpose.

This day with You God, help us as we face the many challenges of life. Give us faith that you will bless us with the strength needed. Some of us are trying to meet what may seem to be impossible deadlines at work, some of us are facing health difficulties or many other concerns that life brings our way. We pray today to remain positive, to plan out each step, and to take action with the strength only You can give. Amen!

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