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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Confused (08/16/07)
Perplexed

A light mist began to burn off, down by the base of Mount Olivet. Just a mile from Jerusalem and to the northwest rested the garden of Gethsemane. One side of the garden flourished as an orchard; the other displayed flowers both wild and cultivated. A man turned to his followers and said:
“See those fig trees and that large rock between the gardens? I want all of you to sit under the shade and wait for me.”
“On second thought, you Peter, James and John come with me.”
The three followed and found a shady spot a few yards from the others and sat in a circle around a tree.
The leader moved some yards further and knelt by the rock.
“Oh Father. I am sad. I am like this garden. On one side struggles life for the fruit. On the other, rests the colorful beauty of the flowers. I am in the middle and perplexed. What should I do?” When I committed to this journey away from the safety of the heavens I did not know I would be confused and unsure. Things were so clear at the time. Now my physical wants to take over and avoid what I must do.”
“Look at my disciples. They sleep. They cannot stay with me for only a little. Who is worth the pain? I am truly alone.”
A slight breeze blew the perspiration on his face.
“I know. I know. Worthiness is not the issue. Love is. Oh Father, though I’m perplexed I shall do your original plan. Your will takes first place. Let it be done.”
Three times Jesus had to go through these agonizing moments[Mt.26:36]. But then he arrived with a final resolution which included the price to pay for all of us.
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This article has been read 1090 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Janice Cartwright
08/23/07
Though I can't accept that Jesus was perplexed or confused in His garden battle (sorry), I do commend your writing skill, creativity and courage in tackling a difficult passage where our Lord allowed Himself such transparency in His humanity, while gaining victory in His divinity. Good work!
Jacquelyn Horne
08/23/07
Wonderful devotional. Jesus paid the price in spite of his reservations.
Dee Yoder
08/23/07
We often forget the humanity of Jesus and focus on the divine. Your devotional points out that He struggled, in his human heart and mind, to do the will of His Father, too, at times. If God didn't love us so much and want to show us how the human heart can still be led by Him, He would have left out of scriptures this portrait of His Son in these moments of indecision. By showing us that Christ, too, suffered these emotions, we can turn to God in our indecision and follow Jesus's example to put our future in the Father's hands. Great devotional!
Rita Garcia
08/25/07
Wonderful devotional!
c clemons
08/26/07
I agree with one of reviewers here, Christ was never confused about his going to the cross. His flesh knew what to expect and he struggled with that but never was he confused. But if that is the way you see it you then your article would certainly encourage those with tough decisions or paths to take when they know Christ also struggled with what was already settled. Keep writing.
Dave Wagner
08/27/07
I hesitate to comment; it could be that English is a second language for you, in which case it would soften my take on it. But the dialog is very stiff, even for the Lord. It sounds almost like he's teaching a Sunday School lesson at an old English cathedral rather than praying. If I had read it before you posted it, I would have suggested rethinking the dialog. Also, I had always thought the prayer in the garden took place at night, rather than the day...perhaps I've been wrong all these years. In any case, thanks for posting it. I do appreciate the effort.
Gregory Kane
08/27/07
I think it is particularly difficult to put words into the mouth of the Saviour. We all have our own ideas of what he was like and what might seem quite natural to one person may seem forced to another. Nevertheless I do think that your portrayal of Jesus comes across as unnecessarily befuddled. Lk 9:51 says that “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus RESOLUTELY set out for Jerusalem.”

Don’t be discouraged. Don’t quit submitting entries. You have at least generated some very healthy debate among the commentators.
Mark Bell
08/28/07
This was a very good presentation. It makes the scene more real than just a Bible reading. I'm not sure I can agree with the emotional upheaval you portray in Jesus, though. It doesn't fit with other scripture.
valerie chambers
08/29/07
This telling is so precious.I love the way you worded His prayer.It makes the reader empathize with His agony.Very touching
Katherine Kimbley
08/29/07
I very much enjoyed the way you modernized the wording of Jesus' most difficult prayerful moments in the garden. Short and simple. very nice.