Week 6
Day 1
Reading: Mark 14:22–52
SOAP: Mark 14:36–38
He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Then he came and found them sleeping and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake for one hour? Stay awake and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
The anguish Jesus experienced in the garden of Gethsemane is beyond anything our human experience can comprehend. He did not fear the physical suffering to come, but the price He would pay to redeem humanity. Jesus was in agony over the coming separation from God the Father that He would temporarily experience.
Because Jesus took the punishment of sin for us, we never need to experience eternal separation from God if we have placed our faith in Him. Jesus endured death so we could have life. We are saved by His grace. He has endured what we deserve. Grace abounds because of His sacrifice.
Through faith alone we can accept God’s free gift of salvation. He offers it to us with no conditions. All we need to do is accept it and place our faith in Him. By believing His sacrifice, His punishment, was enough payment for our sins, we are sealed as His. By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone we are saved. Who is Jesus? He is the One willing to endure punishment for our sake.
Lord Jesus, You alone are good. You endured more than I can imagine when You took the penalty for my sin. You chose to die for my sins so I could spend eternity with You. I praise You for Your sacrifice. I am amazed at Your love for me. Amen.