Page 41 - In His Image

clearly suggest partiality, which runs in direct opposition to Romans 2:11. Intimacy
however could be established not based on Jesus' picking one over another, but on
a disciple's choice (Deuteronomy 30:19) to get closer, press harder and be more
obedient! Intimacy with Christ is dependent upon us! I believe what I "heard" was
totally in keeping with Romans 2:11.

We know that all scripture is self-fulfilling. Scripture itself, will ultimately answer
any question raised in scripture. The two events mentioned previously hold keys to
intimacy with Christ.

Let me first discuss Gethsemane in Matthew 26...
"Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples,

"Sit here while I go and pray over there." And He took with Him Peter and the two
sons of Zebedee... "
The Gethsemane event gives us great insight into our Messiah; remember Jesus
was fully God and fully man, Hebrews 2:17-18 declares...
"Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a
merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the
sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid
those who are tempted."

It is interesting to note that the word "Gethsemane" is of Aramaic origin, which
when literally translated means oil/olive press." Certainly Jesus was greatly
"pressed" at this moment. He felt the full weight of His mission and Messiah ship.
We see the dual nature of Jesus (God and man) depicted rather clearly as we look
a little further in the 26 chapter of Matthew. Verse 39 states...
th
"He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, 'O My Father, if it is
possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."'

"O My Father if it is possible, let this cup pass from me..." is clearly spoken by Jesus the
man. He knew the death which awaited Him; He knew the agony of Calvary. Not
only would the physical pain be excruciating, but the spiritual pain of separation
from His Father as He became sin for us flooded Him at that very moment ("my
God, my God, why have You forsaken me..." Matthew 27:46). Jesus was asking the Father
(for the last time) if there was another way to accomplish the mission of salvation
please share it with Him! But in all of this, I (Jesus) want it known that I desire
nothing contrary to Your will. The prayer was rhetorical, in that it was not
intended to elicit an answer but to teach us a lesson. Jesus was saying in effect,
My Father, if there is any other way by which ungodly sinners can be saved

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