Pastor Ray’s Message This Week – Why did Jesus have to die Mark 14: 32-42

In a garden long ago, Adam’s choice brought death and shame – in Gethsemane, Jesus’ choice brings life and freedom.

Gethsemane is a sacred moment in Scripture.

Here we see Jesus, not distant or untouchable, but fully human. We see Him overwhelmed with sorrow and asking the Father if the cup might pass. Yet, in the same breath, He yields: Not what I will, but what You will.

This is the sacred moment that Jesus, the Second Adam, makes a stand in the garden where the first Adam fell.

Max Lucado captures this idea well:

The Bible is the story of two gardens: Eden and Gethsemane. In the first, Adam took a fall. In the second, Jesus took a stand. In the first, God sought Adam. In the second, Jesus sought the Father. In Eden, Adam hid from God. In Gethsemane, Jesus exposed His soul. In Eden, Satan led Adam to a tree that led to his death. From Gethsemane, Jesus went to a tree that led to our life.

Through His surrender, Jesus not only identified with our humanity – He redeemed it.
So, because He stood firm in the garden, we can stand firm in our faith.
Because He was handed over to sinners in the dark, we are set free to live in the light.
Because He was rejected, we are accepted.

May this cause us to once again bow down in worship and to praise His Holy Name.

To view our recent Sunday Sermons, please go to our YouTube page,