The yearly spiritual journey that concludes the period of Lent can never diminish its eternal impact in the preparation for the ultimate sacrifice at Calvary. The word that became flesh and lived among us was the main celebration of Christmas — the incarnation. John goes on to testify, “we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth,” (John 1:14).

The life of Christ on earth was God walking among men, heaven sharing the terrains and seasons of humanity. So much wisdom and love and power broke into human experience. Even those who, as one point, had been sent to arrest Him were spellbound by the depth of His teaching and returned saying: “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46). Twisted lives were set right and given a purpose for living. From the widow of Nain, to Mary Magdalene, to the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years, to the woman caught in adultery, to Matthew the tax collector, to Zacchaeus, the short man, to Nicodemus, the learned old man who needed to understand the principles of seeing the Kingdom of God, to Mary and Martha whose brother Lazarus was brought back to life, to the feeding of the thousands. Where is the crime to condemn a man who did such unimaginable things?

Gethsemane was the gateway to the dark alley that led to the cross at Calvary. It is noteworthy that the transfiguration had taken place before this time. Also, the echoes of the hosannas still hung in the air. Now, Jesus the Christ came face-to-face with the grim choice: shunt the cross or face it. Peter’s opinion was clear – “this shall never happen to you.” And he did not mince words (see Matt. 16:22).

But there was also the unwavering expectation of heaven. The battle in Christ’s soul was intense. Heaven sent reinforcement, for an angel appeared to him and strengthened Him. The scriptures state it clearly: “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,” (Luke 22:41–44).

We can never underestimate the impact of this strengthening from heaven in the context of this fierce spiritual battle. He placed His desire before Heaven’s throne, but the victory was to come through submission to the Father’s will. By the time the hostile crowd arrived – led by Judas Iscariot, the traitor, Jesus was ready to go all the way to Calvary.

We battle daily with the competing desires of the flesh, of our well-wishers, and of God. The ultimate victory lies in submission to the will of God, as we take small and big decisions day by day. We may recall that the temptation in the wilderness at the start of His public ministry — which is the inspiration for our observance of Lent, was a resolute rejection of the desires of the flesh, of the world, and of the devil. Now at the end of His earthly ministry, that resolve had not been relaxed or compromised.

The Lord Jesus passed through Gethsemane and was ready to go to Calvary where the price was paid for our peace with God. Let us follow in His steps, as we daily put the will of God above every other desire. That is the timeless lesson of Gethsemane.

Jennie Evelyn Hussey (1874-1958) puts the thoughts in this song: King of my life, I crown Thee now/Thine shall the glory be; lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow/lead me to Calvary. Lest I forget Gethsemane; lest I forget Thine agony; Lest I forget Thy love for me; lead me to Calvary.