Culloden-Balloch Baptist Church

11 hours ago

Easter Reflections Day 12

Thursday 18th April 2019:

Mark 14: 32-42.

“My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.”

Just as we do, Jesus experienced distressing emotions. Anxiety, sorrow, fear and even horror were evident as Jesus contemplated his path ahead. He shared his distress with his disciples and God Himself. Clearly, it was important to him that his friends ‘keep watch’, so much so, that he rebuked and exhorted them to try again when they fell asleep. Jesus knew that their ‘keeping watch’ would not change the difficult path that lay ahead for him but it was important to Jesus the man that his close disciples witnessed his distress. Even today as we try to ‘keep watch’ when others suffer along difficult paths, do we sometimes fall asleep or detach through apathy, fear hopelessness or feelings of powerlessness? Human suffering is ultimately an individual task, which Jesus’ drawing away from the disciples to be with God perhaps reflects. Still, we are called to bear witness to others’ sufferings and pray for them – hoping and trusting that it will be a transforming experience for those who suffer and those who keep watch. ... See MoreSee Less