The Garden

In the opening chapters of the Bible we read of a paradise garden, A garden called Eden where Adam and Eve were said to walk with God in perfect fellowship.  Adam was given a choice to love God by not eating from the tree of knowledge which God had commanded him not to eat. Of course, we know the story, encouraged by a serpent Adam and Eve disobeyed God leading to the Fall. Death entered the world on account of Adam's sin, and they were banished from God’s Garden.  But despite their rebellion, God did not abandon them.  

He promised a saviour would come, the offspring of Eve who would come and do what Adam had failed to do. He would come and crush the serpent's head but not before the serpent had first bruised his heel.

Here at the decisive moment in Human History, Jesus the Messiah, (The second Adam) comes to a garden to pray.  Why is he there? Well, he is about to make atonement for Adam’s sin, for my sin, for your sin. He is about to bear the weight of God’s wrath against all wickedness, and in his humanity, he is fearful, frightened, sorrowful, and overwhelmed.  

He prays, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will"

Knowing the barbarity of Roman execution, We often think of the Cross of Calvary as the supreme example of Christ’s suffering, but Christ’s suffering began in Gethsemane, blood-sweat pouring from Jesus' face (a rare condition known as hematidrosis) something only experienced under extreme duress.  

Yet despite his excruciating sorrow, even to the point of death, love conquered all in that garden!
Where the first Adam carried out his own will in the Garden of Eden seeking to serve only his Glory.  Jesus as the Second Adam did what the first Adam failed to do. He aligned and submitted his will with to that of his Father, “yet not my will but your will be done”  even though it would result in death.

The garden was the decisive moment when Jesus said yes to God, yes to love, yes to you, and yes to me. That cup was the cup of the Father's wrath against sin and he drank it all.

Why would he do it?   Because he loved the Father, he loved you, he loved me.