You Had to be There – Dr. Hona Amer

Scripture:

“Then Jesus went with them to a garden called Gethsemane and told his disciples, ‘Stay here while I go over there and pray.’ Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he plunged into an agonizing sorrow. Then he said, ‘This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me.’ Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, ‘My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?’ When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep.” Matthew 28:36-40 (MSG)

Perspective:

Remember a time when you told your friends a story and by the end, you realize that it doesn’t sound as interesting as when it happened. You usually follow up with the following words: “I guess you had to be there.” As much as you want them to share the experience with you, the experience is limited if they were not present with you.

Jesus was about to face the most gruesome moments in His life. He knew that the cross was before Him, yet the disciples couldn’t quite understand what Jesus was about to face. No one could understand the burden that Jesus was carrying. The moment that he needed his support team the most, the disciples were sleeping. Were the disciples against Jesus? No. They just couldn’t provide Him with the support or strength that He needed. Maybe you are facing something that people around you don’t understand. They want to lend support and try to help, but no one seems to understand the burden that you are carrying. Maybe it is a job that is in jeopardy or a health issue. Maybe you are struggling to keep your family together. You can gather all the people to pray for you, but at the end of the day, your strength to face the challenge is going to come through Jesus. So, instead of trying to explain your situation until you are blue in the face, bring it to Jesus. Whatever your burden, know that Jesus has felt the pain and heartache of being misunderstood. So, instead of trying to look for comfort or acceptance from others, look to Jesus to give you the strength to carry your burden. And, while you are with Him, let go and let Him hold your burden for you.