Who Comforts Jesus

Once again, we find ourselves in the midst of Lent, the forty days leading up to Easter. Lent is a period of reflection. Christians are fasting and praying. We see this as a time to give up something or give back something. Each year, Christians find new and innovative ways to observe Lent. And some Christians observe the traditional fast for the 40 days, having only water or juice as sustenance. We sing hymns in preparation for that time when Jesus walked a Lonesome Road, and the songwriter says Jesus had to walk it by himself. But did he? Do we think about the time leading up to the Old Rugged Cross? Of course, we do. Well, what if I told you the suffering began before they arrested Jesus in the Garden, would you believe me? If I said Jesus was not ashamed to ask for help when he was on His knees praying, would you think me mad? We’ve heard how Jesus was beaten and spat upon. We have in our thoughts that there will come a time when we observe the day our Lord and Savior was nailed to a cross, pierced in His hands and feet, and a nail thrust into His side. But did His agony begin on the Road? Yes, Jesus prays and asks God to take this cup. He then says, “Not my will but thine be done. So many times, we move from that verse to the verses that tell of Jesus rising and returning to His sleeping disciples. Let’s back up and consider the verses between. Right after Jesus prayed it should be God’s will that is done, right there in Luke chapter 22 verse 43, we read “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” God sent an angel to help strengthen Jesus. Who comforts Jesus? The Angels. I submit that Jesus needed that Angel for more than just a moment. If you look at the next verse, you discover that Jesus continued to agonize over what was to come. You see Jesus hadn’t been beaten yet. Jesus was not yet upon the cross. Nevertheless, he felt what was to come deep down in His human soul. Scripture tells us, “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” With the looming crucifixion on His mind, he cared for disciples, shared a meal with them, washed their feet, taught them, and dined with His betrayer. Could we do it? Would we do it? So, for a moment, let’s not overlook the agony he felt at the prospect of not calling on the Heavenly Hosts to fight His battle. This was not a perhaps or could-be occurrence. Christ had to go this way so that we might be saved! Can you imagine sweating so hard that the salty water that came from His pores dripped like blood? Can you understand that Jesus asked God to remove the thing from His future but knowing that could not be, He continued to pray and sweat. I believe that Angel comforted him. I believe that Angel comforted Jesus, and all the agony and grief that was filling His soul came out in His prayers. All the thoughts that kept Jesus on His knees was being wrung from Him. It’s good for us to sweat because it cools us down, it helps detoxify our bodies. Just consider how much stress Jesus was experiencing. His sweat was like drops of blood. And yet He would be strengthened and continue on His way. Message to devote your attention to this Lenten Season, yes, you may know it has to be God’s will. Yes you may know you have to keep moving. But don’t forget that Jesus called on the name of God to remove a thorn, and though he still agonized, God sent an Angel to strengthen and keep Him. Don’t forget to call out to Jesus for soothing, comforting, and strengthening power. Because of all Jesus did for us, today we ask Jesus to walk with us. Today we can rely on the promise God made back in the days when Joshua was about to take over for Moses, who had just died. God wants us to be “strong and courageous” for he will be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9). He was with Joshua then and God’s Angel was with Jesus when He needed to be strengthened. So, surely Jesus will be with you and me now. Who comforts Jesus? The angels do. And the angels will comfort you, too.