How did Jesus handle problems? (Matt 26: 38)
Praying picture of Jesus
No matter we like it or not problems are part of human life. Is it not? I think when I mention about problems we all can relate it because we all face often. Here, in this short message, I will not tell you how to restrain problems but how to handle problems through the best model (Jesus) in the universe. Let us learn how to solve our problems through the way how Jesus resolves problems during his life time.
Jesus said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26: 38). He was a human being like us who can feel pain and sorrow (Isaiah. 53: 3). “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” ( Heb. 2: 18). While he was living on the earth, he also encountered all sufferings and problems that we encounter today. When he encountered such kind of problems, how did Jesus do? How did Jesus handle it?
First, He shares his concerns and problem to his disciples ( Matt. 26: 36-38). As believers, when we face difficulties, problems and hardship in life we are to share our problem to our fellow believers or friends so that they can pray for us and in that way we can help each other carrying our problems ( Gal. 6: 2)
Second, He prays ( Mk. 14: 35). He not only told his disciples, he himself prayed. “ He fell to the ground and prayed”. Dear friends, how blessed we are that we have a living God whom we can rely on when we encounter problems in life. Therefore, “ cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” ( I Pet. 5: 7). Prayer relieves our heart concerns and worries.
Third, He summits himself under the will of God ( Mk 14: 35). “Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” He rested upon the will of His father in everything. Friends, our times of sorrow and grief are the situation that we would say to God with prayer that “ let your will be done Father”. The ability to say “Lord, let it be your way and your will” is a life of relief and rest.
Finally, He prepares to face any struggles ( Mk. 14: 41-42). After he shared all his concerns and grief to his disciples, Jesus prayed and prepared to face any difficulties would come upon his life. This is what Jesus did in his moment of misery. As believers, we are also to follow the way how Jesus did when we face trials in life because there is real peace and rest in following his foot steps. If we keep in mind and follow Jesus simple tips for handling problems, we would find relief under the loving concern of heavenly Father.