The Power of Personal Presence

Jesus had his disciples go with him into Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion. He took three of them deeper into the olive orchard, asking them to join him in keeping watch (Matthew 26:38). Even his threefold prayer for deliverance from the cross in nine hours appealed to the power of relationship, relationship with the Father about the approaching temptations and trials.

Luke notes that an angel appeared to him to strengthen him (24:43). The text does not suggest that the angels on the other end of Jesus’ ministry did anything supernatural to allay his hunger and thirst; the same happens regarding his dread of agony in this case. The personal presence provided the power. That kind of aid was especially appropriate because this crucifixion was voluntary—the other two that day were not.

The cup and the loaf symbolize the blood and body that Jesus gave for our salvation. They offer tangible representations of him as the self-sacrificing One who comes into our presence here. Let these reminders have an empowering influence on each of you in living out this week victorious over temptation and suffering and fear and loneliness.