There is an olive tree in Croatia that is about 1,600 years old. In other words, today’s olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane may well be offshoots from the ones that Jesus prayed next to. Some believe there might even be the odd 2,000-year-old tree among them, going right back to the Passion Week in which Jesus’ earthly ministry drew to a dramatic close. 

He seems to have experienced what is scientifically known as hematohidrosis: sweating blood without having been injured. ‘In great anguish he prayed even more fervently; his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.’ (Luke 22.44)  

The account rules out the possibility that Jesus, the divine Son, hadn’t truly been a flesh and blood human – a view held by some early Christians, which was finally rejected at a fourth-century Church council. Jesus, fully human, felt inner conflict, fear and the full weight of human sin. 

Jesus was in the presser. His body knew it. His soul knew it. Feeling the human desire to save his life rather than to sacrifice it, Jesus overcame. How? 

Prayer.  

Jesus took his sorrow and overwhelming fear to his Father.  

All our hopes and the promises of God hang in this moment of prayer. If Jesus were to let human desire win, then all hope dies. And that’s why this is the greatest prayer in the world.  

At his weakest Jesus trusted God’s will more than his own. He trusted that God could bring good from the worst of suffering. God’s judgment had to be poured into Jesus’ cup so that God's life could be poured into ours.  

When you feel overwhelmed with fear and sorrow. How can you overcome?  

Prayer.  

In the presser, Jesus prayed. He trusted God’s will more than his own. In your moment of pressing do as Jesus did. Take it all to your heavenly Father and trust him with everything; even your life. He’s is working good even in the worst of things. 

Read on to find out more about Jesus’ spiritual battle:

Knowing all along what’s coming Matthew 16.21– 28
Conflict, decision and consequences Mark 14.32–50