Human Nature

Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Beneath The Cross Of Jesus"1 (Lyrics)

Matthew 26:38 – Then [Jesus] said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." (NIV)

Being human means that we're subject to all sorts of feelings, injuries, and troubles. When I'm in pain, physically or emotionally, I very quickly talk to God to release me from what is causing it and look to Him to heal or solve my problem. I rely upon His power and promises to mend whatever I'm experiencing, especially when it is something that is beyond my capability or control. Being human, then, also means that we need God to help us time and time again.

When I read about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and His emotional turmoil, I feel deeply for Him. This is the all-too-human Jesus Who is painfully aware of what He is going to face. There's no escape, so perhaps He feels boxed in, isolated, and vulnerable. His anguish is almost unbearable, and I get the feeling that He is desperately struggling to surrender Himself to God's will. It makes me sad to read about His torment. It also makes me ashamed because it was my sins that put Christ in that painful predicament.

I'll never fully understand what Jesus went through to save me and the rest of the world, but I hope that I am always grateful for what He has excruciatingly accomplished. Without Christ's eventual surrender to God's will, I could never have been forgiven. However, with His acceptance of the cup of wrath, we can all be accepted and fully restored to God's love.

Points to ponder: What do I feel when I read about Christ in Gethsemane? How does His submission affect me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, when You struggled to accept Your Father's will, You must have been tempted to refuse it and run away. Instead of remaining safe, You sacrificed everything for us. We can never truly understand what You experienced that terrible night, but we will always be thankful for its everlasting outcome. In Your holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Very well done.


    Amen John. Anther thoughtful devotion.


    Well said, well expressed, brother John!


    It’s simple; because He loved us. No greater love!


    Thank you, John, especially for the prayer you prayed.


    Thank you always for your helpful, thoughtful comments. I am always blessed when I remember your conversion story.


    What a beautiful submission and so in tune to this Season. Thank you, I am so glad you are there writing for me. What a wonderful Jesus we worship!!
    (Fl)


    Thank you, John, for helping us catch a glimpse of the boundlessness of our Saviour’s love for the very person as myself.
    Every Blessing on your day.


    Thank you, John Stuart, for showing us the passion of Jesus so vividly.
    May we in turn always be passionate in our deeds and in our words for his name’s sake. Amen.
    Keep writing,


    Amen and Amen, John. Everlasting thankfulness wells up to percolate through our whole being whenever we fall at the foot of “the wonderful cross” where Jesus died so that we can be sanctified. Thanks for this reminder. As I read this devotional, Robin Mark’s song “The Wonderful Cross” came to mind. His song and testimony moves me to tears. Thanks again and many . . . Blessings.


    Reverend Stuart:
    What an inspiring message, simply presented to express what our Lord felt while experiencing the searing pain by submitting to His Fathers commitment to our justification. Thank you.
    I have but one regret – that we are not blessed by your actual voice echoing that wonderful Scottish heritage.


    Dear John,
    What an amazing devotion!! Thank you so much, today’s devotional was meant for me, in my head.
    As we celebrate Easter, may we always be reminded that Jesus died for us for our sins, and how much he is still looking and watching over us.
    I love him so much.
    God bless you truly John.
    Greetings! and be blessed now and always.
    Have a great Easter.


    John – thank you for this thought and emotion provoking devotional. This will be my verse to dig deeper with today. God Bless you.


    Thank you, sir. This was wonderfully coincidental; since the 11th was my birthday. I always look for your comments. God bless.


    Hi John,
    Thank you for your devotional yesterday, many things to think about and ponder.
    Blessings.

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