Tuesday, April 15, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 26:36-75
Have you ever felt so anxious about the future that you felt hopeless? As someone who suffers from severe anxiety, I’m fearful about the future quite often. It can feel lonely and isolating.
Did you know that Jesus Christ himself once faced remarkable fear and grief? When he was in the Garden of Gethsemane, about to be betrayed, arrested, and crucified, Jesus experienced anguish and was deeply troubled—to the point of death.
Matthew 26:38-39
38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Although Jesus was fully God, he was also fully man. He experienced real human emotions, including overwhelming fear and anxiety that caused him to actually sweat blood as he awaited his arrest and trial (Luke 22:44). Because of his human experiences, Jesus empathizes with us during our own struggles.
Jesus didn’t let his grief and anxiety get the best of him or prevent God’s plan for our salvation. Rather, Jesus knew that his Father is a good and just God. It is true that Jesus’ human side wanted to avoid all the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain that it would cause him; however, he prayed for God’s will above his own.
Jesus faced the most painful and soul-wrenching situation that someone could imagine, yet he did not run away or hide. Instead, he placed his entire trust in God, despite the fact that he was innocent and did not deserve the punishment he was about to receive. Ultimately, his sacrifice and resurrection saved us all and glorified God.
When you are anxious about an upcoming situation, remember that Jesus knows you and understands your pain and anxiety. Rather than allowing your fears to get the best of you, trust in God’s beautiful plan for your life, and let go. Know that he will work your circumstances out for the good according to his perfect will.
Questions:
What emotions do you think Jesus felt while awaiting his betrayal, arrest, and death?
Do you have any circumstances and fears that you are still holding onto that could be surrendered to God?
Next Steps:
Join a Group to connect with a community of like-minded Jesus followers who will support and encourage you when you are feeling anxious or grieved.
Write down a specific fear or difficult situation that you are dealing with and surrender it fully to God, trusting in his will for your life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thanks for sending your son to this earth to save me from my sins and to allow me to experience eternal life with you. Remind me that Jesus fully empathizes with my emotions and that I never have to face my fears alone. Search my heart for situations and anxieties that I still need to surrender to you. Help me to trust in your will for my future, and use my life to glorify your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
This post was written by Isabelle Billnitzer, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the LivingItOut.