Jesus…Overwhelmed
What did Jesus do when His Soul got Overwhelmed?
“Jesus got overwhelmed?!” Did you find yourself asking that question as you read the title of this blog? I did too when God began revealing this truth to me. I want to invite you to Mark 14:32-42. Jesus is heading to the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples beside Him. Peter, James and John were invited to keep going with Jesus, and He says this to them: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.”
Did you see this confession Jesus made to His trusted friends? Whoa…His soul was overwhelmed!
Webster’s Dictionary tells us this means completely overcome or overpowered by thought or feeling.
Jesus knew what was about to happen. He knew the separation that was about to take place from His Father; something He had never experienced. Our Lord knew the pain, judgement, and weight of sin was about to land upon His shoulders.
Jesus gets it friends.
He has experienced those overwhelming emotions, feelings, and situations. He has been where you have been. How did YAWEH get through it? We know He was without sin, so what was His response?
First, we see Jesus being honest with friends. He did not hide what was going on inside. Jesus expressed it openly and without shame. Who are those comrades in your life you can share the overwhelming feelings of your soul knowing judgement will not be cast upon you? Be open with your tribe.
Second, we see our Lord praying to His Father with this same voice of sincerity and humility. If you keep reading the passage, He cries out to God and calls Him ABBA which is another way of saying Daddy. Christ was close to His Father and chose not to pretend. He asked God if the cup could pass from Him to allow it, BUT, not His will but God’s will be done. He sought His ABBA and cast the overwhelming thoughts at His feet. We are safe to lament to our Good Father. He is inclining, leaning in to hear the cries of His children.
Finally, He got up and obeyed. After Jesus finished praying, we see Him moving forward in obedience to God’s plan. He trusted His Father. Jesus didn’t try to concoct a new plan or go His own way. He went the way of the Father knowing it meant making a way for us to be in communion with Him and God for all eternity. Jesus knew salvation and redemption awaited us through His death and resurrection.
So, when the overwhelming comes, remember to follow the example of Christ: Talk to your trusted friends openly. Share with your Heavenly Father honestly. Walk towards God’s plan obediently.
Who is Caris Snider?
Caris is a Christian Communicator who shares the hope of God through speaking, writing, and leading worship. She is the author of Anxiety Elephants 31 Day Devotional. Her passion for the Lord comes through as she shares from her experiences of overcoming depression and anxiety. Caris desires to help women of all ages with their faith and mental health journey.
Website: carissnider.com
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/carissnider/