I knew what I wrote the previous blog I was opening the door of
controversy. It has been so many years since I first came upon these truths
(at least what I believe to be truth) that I hesitate opening this dialogue
again. It is almost as bad as the discussion in the book of Job, where I
show that satan is not really Satan, but an adversary that does God's
bidding in the area of testing people. But this is another subject for
another time...
First concerning whether Jesus was bleeding to death in the garden.
Although this medical condition is relatively rare, according to Dr.
Frederick Zugibe (Chief Medical Examiner of Rockland County, New York) it is
well-known, and there have been many cases of it. The clinical term is
"hematohidrosis." "Around the sweat glands, there are multiple blood vessels
in a net-like form." Under the pressure of great stress the vessels
constrict. Then as the anxiety passes "the blood vessels dilate to the point
of rupture. The blood goes into the sweat glands." As the sweat glands are
producing a lot of sweat, it pushes the blood to the surface - coming out as
droplets of blood mixed with sweat.
Jesus could have easily avoided suffering. He could have called down
a legion of angels at any time. He could have performed a miracle by just
thinking a thought...He was God! But he chose to suffer and willingly became
dirty for us...he who knew no sin became sin for us. He was wounded for our
transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. He was a high priest that was
touched with our weaknesses. But was his prayer to let this cup pass from
him, the night before the cross, a prayer of fear? A relinquishing of his
duty? Second thoughts about really going through with it? If I were writing
this twenty years ago, I would have said, not a chance in the world...not
even a remote possibility. Today, I have not changed my view, just the way
I would say it...i don't believe Jesus was asking to be relieved of his
responsibility of the cross, though I am sure there is a human element that
he needed to experience. But in John 12:27, Jesus clearly states, just prior
to his prayer in Gethsemane, the following:
"Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from
this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour."
I don't know about you, but when I read this, I hear Jesus saying,
that even though his soul was troubled, he could not, and would not pray to
be delivered from what he came to do. Furthermore, there have been many
brave saints throughout the ages that have given their lives bravely on
behalf of those they loved. Some were cut in half, others tortured in the
most heinous ways. Did Jesus shrink back from the cross because all of a
sudden he was revealing his human emotions of fear? I don't think so...he
was God! And He came to earth with a purpose...a purpose from the foundation
of the world. I could go further into this study, but it is unnecessary...i
am sure there are some very good arguments that would lead one to believe
contrary to my view...may we all study to show ourselves approved unto God,
a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.
if you would like to hear about satan in Job, let me know...
