Part of the Story

Swanson, John August. Agony in the Garden, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. Psalm 22:19

This Holy Week we gather for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship. We sit at the table with Jesus at the last supper as he teaches his disciples how to love others by serving. We wait in the garden with Jesus and witness the agony of betrayal, the cruelty of the soldiers, and the anger of the crowds. We will experience the chaos and fear around Jesus, and the deep pain he endured on the cross. We must experience the pain to appreciate and trust the deliverance of his love. That is part of The Story of Jesus’ deep love for all people and for the world. He is not far from us.

John August Swanson writes about his artwork:

“Within AGONY IN THE GARDEN, three events are happening:

-At the bottom, the disciples lie sleeping.
-On the rocky ledge, Jesus prays alone with his
arms outstretched.
-In the background, soldiers move through the trees
with torches, ropes, dogs and weapons.

This work has great emotion. Christ raises his arms in prayer as he faces the icy sky, and cold truth of his impending torment and death, beads of sweat fall down his face. Below, despite Jesus’s instructions, the disciples rest. This scene reminds me of the times when the wealthy and powerful sleep through the suffering of the poor. And, the times I sleep, while others are in agony.”

Holy Week is part of the story. Bring your pain, your sorrow, your regret, as God prepares our hearts to Wait with Jesus. And then rejoice with me on Easter morning for the rest of The Story as Jesus’ resurrection brings us into the everlasting glory of his joy, peace, hope, and love!

~ Pastor Andrea