The scriptures above are each the account of the Savior's great atoning sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the Book of Mormon which is the keystone of our religion also has insight on this event. In Mosiah 3:7 it says "And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people." Jesus atoned for every soul that has lived, is living, and will live on this earth. During his suffering he was left completely alone, by our Father in Heaven and by his friends, the disciples whom had fallen asleep while watching for the mob. The pain and agony that he suffered was greater than any man can comprehend, so great that it made God, tremble in pain and causing him to sweat drops of blood from every pore. (Talmage, Jesus the Christ).
Gethsemane literally means "oil-press" which most likely has reference to a mill in the garden used to extract oil from olives that were grown there. I can't help but realize the relation between the name and the events that took place there. It just sounds so morbid to me, but just like an olive that is squeezed until every ounce of what makes it an olive is gone, is what happened to Christ. Every mortal sin was squeezed out of him in those drops of blood. Everything that made him half mortal was drained from him and the only way he survived the atonement was because he is the Lord.
In Matthew 26:41 a lesson is given to the disciples and Christ is teaching them about how the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak and you must learn to overcome temptation. In Doctrine & Covenants 10:5 it talks about how we must pray always that we may become a conquer of Satan. This is an important principle to remember throughout your entire life. The flesh is so weak but through God anything is possible. In Mosiah 15:7 it says "the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father." I think we can relate that to the lesson Christ taught his disciples about the spirit being willing but the flesh being weak. We need our Father in Heaven and Savior to help us every single hour and it is important to remember to pray for strength and courage in everything that we do.
In each account (the four gospels) Jesus asks the Father if this cup may pass from him, and in each scripture he says nevertheless not my will but thine be done. The strength and faith required to do such a thing is great. I know I struggle with doing that. Just have faith that Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us individually and he can see the bigger picture where you and I can only see what is right in front of us. As soon as that is learned it is easy to submit yourself to Heavenly Father and trust that he knows what he is doing.
In Luke 22:44 it describes how as the Savior's agony increased he began praying more earnestly. I don't think there is a single person who wouldn't turn to God if he or she was suffering so intesntly. I know for myself that when I am dealing with something hard and I rely on Heavenly Father and Christ to support me and help me through it, it really is a lot easier to overcome.I think the example set my Christ in this moment is something that needs to be remembered.
What amazes me as I have been studying these scriptures is how even when Christ was in the most pain any person has ever felt, he was still teaching. He was still lovingly helping his disciples be better people. I cannot even imagine that I would be thinking of helping others if I were to be experiencing such great pain and sorrow. I think it goes to show how crucial that lesson is. How important it is to remember to pray in times of need. Remember it is not only when we are in great despair and agony that you should pray. "Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you; Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him. Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks. Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies. Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them. Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you." (Alma 34:17-27). I feel that this is a very important principle. I have a testimony of this. I know that the Lord has the power to make your burden lighter. That is why he atoned for the sins of the world. Christ has already suffered for everything, the justice has already been fulfilled and there is only mercy left to give. Turn to the Lord in everything you do. I know that my Redeemer lives and that he loves each of us, regardless of race, gender or age. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
