“And [Jesus] withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’” (Luke 22:41-42)
Just before Jesus is arrested, He retreats alone on the Mount of Olives to pray. Even His disciples cannot support Him in His intense struggle with the emotional suffering that rolls upon Him like a giant wave. In fact, they fall asleep.
You probably know the unpleasant tension that can completely grip you before a planned surgery or something else that you are anxious about. You can’t think about anything else; you can’t find peace and may have to vomit due to the tension. Jesus’ struggle was much deeper. Not only did He know in detail what physical and spiritual suffering awaited Him, but He had the power to stop it immediately. He could have simply walked away. He could have avoided His arrest, interrogation and crucifixion by withdrawing. It must have taken an incredible amount of willpower to nevertheless be obedient to the Father’s will!
Perhaps you too feel lonely and left alone as you struggle with temptations, fears or illness. Know that the Lord Jesus understands what you are going through because He Himself has gone through it. You can always come to Him with your needs and sorrows. You are not alone!