His 4th friend?
Soul Snack S18/12 ... His fourth friend?
Four men gathered in a beautiful Mediterranean garden, one dark and cool evening. One man was at a slight distance, but massive disadvantage to the others. Jesus was with his friends but remained alone.
Three men slept, giving Him the same absent attention they would at daybreak and through His ensuing torture. They had shown their colours both accurately and prematurely. They were present in body but had already deserted Him in mind.
Surely Jesus wanted another friend in Gethsemane with Him?
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Mt 26:41)
He chided His three nearest and dearest to no avail.
He needed a friend to keep watch and stay alert for Him.
He needed a friend to escape to but there was none.
He needed a friend to weep with while the others slept.
He needed a friend to hear Him, hug Him and honor Him.
Would Jesus have wanted you to be His fourth friend in Gethsemane?
Would you have accepted?
Would you have stood in the breach His other disciples left?
Disappointed and dejected Jesus stood above them and sadly gazed across these hapless sleeping followers. His spirit knew no rest, while His disciples enjoyed it.
Would He have preferred to have you there as well, or maybe even instead of the three?
Would you have lent a shoulder?
Would you have spoken words of comfort, devotion and love?
Would you have remained alert?
Would you have held Him in your arms, wiped His blood stained tears and caressed His sweat matted hair?
Would you have stroked His soon pierced forehead and held those tender hands?
Would you have just been there for Him?
Well, if you have already done this for another, you are His fourth friend now.
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Mt 25:40
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