How Jesus fought depression

“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me,” (Matthew 26:37-38 NKJV).

Last week, we looked at how Elijah overcame depression. Elijah only did not go through depression; Jesus, for our sake, also went through it. Today, we shall see how Jesus fought back against depression. We find the full details recorded in Matthew 26: 36-46.

Depression is a serious problem in our society today. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) about 3.8 per cent of the world, the population is suffering from depression. Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression and within this estimated percentage adults have 5.0 per cent, while adults older than 60 years have 5.7 per cent.

Admitting that one is going through depression and seeking help is no sign of failure, rather, it is living in self-denial.

Long before the experience of Jesus at Gethsemane, Isaiah had given us a glimpse of what Jesus would go through. He prophesied: “Surely He has borne our grief And carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted,” (Isaiah 53:4 NKJV). What Jesus went through was for our sake.

The Bible gives us a graphic picture of the state of the soul of Jesus the night before he was crucified. Study and learn how Jesus fought His strategic battle against despondency or depression.

Firstly, He chose some close friends to be with him. “Taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee,” (Matthew 26:37). Companionship with trusted friends helps in times of adversity. Proverbs 17:17 reads: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Whether this is speaking of one’s blood brother or a brother in the Church, this refers to the one who is going to be there when things get hard for you.

Secondly, He opened up as regards his situation to them. He said: “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death,” (Matthew 26:38). Those who say we should not confess negatively about the way we feel should learn from Jesus. Jesus openly confessed to his disciples that His soul was sorrowful. He truthfully confessed the way he felt.

Thirdly, He asked for their intercession and help in the conflict he was going through. “Remain here, and watch with me,” (Matthew 26:38). Many of us pretend and would not ask for help when we are in depression.

Fourthly, He admitted His human frailties before His Father in prayer. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” (Matthew 26:39).

FIFTHLY, He resigned himself to the sovereign power of God. “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will,” (Matthew 26:39). Certain paths of life are inevitable for us to pass through.

Sixthly, He looked beyond the present into the future, the glory that laid ahead of Him. “For the joy that was set before him (he) endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God,” (Hebrews 12:2).

Are you going through depression or unbearable sorrow? Jesus also tasted it so that He may know how to help you. Hebrews 4:15 reads: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

God is not indifferent to your situation, call on Him, he will help you to overcome. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds,” (Psalms 147:3 NKJV). 

• Contact:Pastoracukachi@gmail.com