I’ve Never Sweat Like Jesus

Sweat is dripping down my arms, gratitude floods my heart, and prayer is on my lips. I am carrying 35-pound weights in each hand as I make my way back up the stairs.  I did it! This is Holy Week. Each day in the gym, I pray for those around me.  At that moment, however, I pray for strength to finish two more sets.  As I take a sip of water, I feel the breeze on my face and notice the brilliant green leaves on the huge tree across from me.  I find myself thinking, “I’ve never sweat like Jesus.”

Being in anguish, He prayed more fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.  Luke 22:44

My sweat is salty and runs down my skin in droplets like tears.  Yet we see that His sweat becomes like drops of blood.  Blood came forth from the depth of His agony as He increased the fervency of His prayers.

“Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me–nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done. ” His prayer caused an angel from heaven to come to strengthen Him.

Hematohidrosis

Jesus experienced hematohidrosis while He was praying that night in the garden of Gethsemane. Sweat like Jesus experienced is a rare medical condition where someone actually sweats blood.

We sweat when our bodies are hot.  It comes from sweat glands located under the surface of our skin.  Sweating is a good thing.  Because if we didn’t sweat, our bodies could overheat.  However, to sweat like Jesus did is extraordinary.  Something rare.  Jesus knew what was ahead for Him.  And He looked to the Father for another way.

Take the time to read over the passages containing the elements of the Resurrection story.  When I see the disciples sleeping as Jesus prayed, I’m shocked. And in my self-righteousness, I place myself in that garden praying with Him.  But they didn’t know. They were clueless about His impending betrayal that very night.  Try to see this Holy Week through the eyes of Jesus.  Remember that Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Crucified With Christ

What does it mean to be crucified with Him? Perhaps we don’t really mean it when we sing, “I give myself away so You can use me?” It seems that when challenges come, some of us focus on the unfairness of life. What a blessing it is that Christ didn’t walk away from the agony of the cross. Can we meditate on Him this week? Can we walk with Him to the cross?

Let’s Reflect:  What does it mean to you to be crucified with Christ? Take some time to journal and pray about your answer.

Let’s Pray: Precious Jesus, we are so grateful that You provided for our salvation. Now we have eternal life because of You. Lord, forgive us for the times we’ve fallen asleep on You. May we see You in a different light this week. As You journey to the cross, take our hands and help us walk with You. In Your name, I pray. Amen.