“Faith Journeys with God in the Land”-Part 18

This episode was recorded in a private orchard on the western slopes of the Mt. of Olives overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem.

The passion of Jesus is particularly seen in the Garden of Gethsemane (e.g. garden of the olive press). During the course of the last week of His life, Jesus spent time in the Temple of Jerusalem. He knew what awaited Him. Following the Last Supper, Jesus walks from the upper section of the city down to the Kidron Valley, and then up somewhere on the western slope of the Mt. of Olives. While there is a traditional location for the Garden of Gethsemane (marked by the Church of All Nations), we can only safely place Jesus somewhere on this slope of the mountain range amidst numerous olive tress and oil presses.

Luke 22 preserves the narrative of Jesus’ passion. While Jesus separated Himself from disciples for the purpose of prayer, Jesus’ willingness to offer His life is preserved in the words He shared, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus willfully and obediently endured the betrayal by Judas here, followed by being bound by the High Priest and Jerusalem’s religious rulers. Eventually Jesus would stand before Pilate only to be condemned to a death by crucifixion. Jesus would die on a cross as a innocent man between two thieves. Jesus would fulfill His redemptive purpose.

“Not my will but yours be done” is a hallmark of the faithful follower of Christ. Our journey of faith with God begins with a willingness to pray what Jesus prayed here somewhere on the slopes of the Mt. of Olives. Today we give thanks to Jesus for His willingness to submit His will to His heavenly Father’s redemptive plan. It is not easy for us to consistently pray “not my will but yours be done” because of selfishness and pride. Yet praying this prayer is key to God using us for His kingdom.

Видео “Faith Journeys with God in the Land”-Part 18 канала John DeLancey