The Crossroads

“And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.

While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him”

Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane represents the most pivotal moment in human history. Jesus was truly at a crossroads decision that would shape history and define eternity. In this place, Jesus chose the road to the cross instead of the road to comfort. He chose the Spirit over the flesh. The eternal will of the Father over the temporal will of the Son. Knowing the betrayal, accusations, injustice, humiliation, brutality, mockery, and crucifixion that was to come, Jesus entered the Garden (“as was His custom”), to pray and plead before the Father one last time, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done (42)." What was the will of the Father for the Son? Isaiah spoke prophetically about the Fathers will - “Yet, it was the will of the LORD to crush him, he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt (Isaiah 53:10)."

The grief in Jesus’ soul that night in the Garden was so wrenching, so deep, that “being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground (44)." Jesus took the path we all deserved, yet none could travel. He chose the road to the cross, so that He could become “the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)." No man can come to the Father, except through Jesus, because no man could become “an offering for guilt” like Christ. The crossroads of Christ are unique only to Jesus, but every man and every woman must face their own crossroads moment too.  

Jesus regularly taught His followers, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23)." Thus, every disciple must choose between the crossroads paths of costly obedience to the Father and comfortable opulence in the flesh. Many of the great missionary leaders of yesteryear spoke to their own pathway of decision that led them to the Father’s will - 

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” - Jim Elliot

“Only one life twill soon be passed, only what’s done for Christ will last.” - CT Studd

“Attempt great things for God, expect great things from God.” - William Carey

“I have a firm conviction that I am immortal until my work is done.” - Lottie Moon

“God isn’t looking for individuals of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him.” - Hudson Taylor.

Big Idea: At His crossroads moment, Jesus chose the will of the Father for me. At my crossroads moment, I must choose the will of the Father for Christ.

Challenge Question: Will you choose the narrow path of costly obedience over the common path of comfortable opulence?