Facing Our Overwhelmed Soul

Matt 26: 36-46

Introduction

the problem of depression - A deep sense of despondency, discouragement and sadness, often linked with a sense of personal powerlessness and a loss of meaning in and enthusiasm for life

causes of depression - external circumstances, physical illness and exhaustion, fear and anxiety, sin, sense of the futility of life, loss of sense of God’s presence,

symptoms of depression - a loathing of life and a desire to end it, deep sorrow, loneliness, perplexity, despair, escapism, feeling forsaken by God.

Jesus’ emotion: sorrowful and troubled (v37). his soul is overwhelmed to the point of death (v38)

sorrowful - distressed, unhappy

troubled - to become without or almsot without hope

overwhelmed - crushed by grief

It is quite difficult to grasp the idea that Jesus also experienced depression, until we are able to believe Jesus’ full humanity. Mark in particular, use language about Jesus that indicates to us that he went through a period of deep depression. He uses language about his soul being distressed and oppressed–language that is used elsewhere of the world of the first century, of people that are suffering from a deep sense of melancholy and a deep sense of distraction that makes it almost impossible for them to focus their minds on the things that are true and real

what happened to Jesus? He was about to drink the bitter cup. Jesus was weighed down with heaviness of heart and depression of soul when he was looking into the cup of the wrath of God in the Garden–a cup that he would drink to the full on the cross. He was depressed not because of the fear of death, but was too overwhelemed by the darkness of human’s sins.

What is your bitter cup at this point of time? relationship break down? Financial difficulties? Physcial health?

the companion of friends

sit here (v36) - just the presence

though he prays to God, he wants his disciples to be around

stay here (v38) and keep watch with me - seek for their intercession

open up himself to his friend - my sould is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death

the presence in God (v39)

fell his face to the ground and prayed (v39): pour out himself to the Lord

not my will, but yours (v42): seek God’s will

the rest in God (v45-46)

the hour has come, let us go. Jesus is able to boldly move forward in both confidence and assurance. Jesus leaves the garden of Gethsemane fortified and grounded in truth. Although great suffering lies before him, he is able to embrace his calling and fulfill his purpose as he goes onto his death, burial, and resurrection. He knows who he is and what God has called him to. We can do the same by remaining firmly grounded in God’s promises.

Conclusion

The sinless depression of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is the solution to our own sinful spiritual depression. In this sense, we can say that Jesus’ depression had a redeeming value for our souls. In short, how can we remain sinfully despondent when we see the Son of God sweating out our redemption as he looked at what our sin has done in this world and prospectively anticipated what he would endure under the wrath of God in the cross to deal with that sin? How can we not rise up to serve God with renewed spiritual strength and vigor when we consider all that Christ endured for us? Oh that we would forever meditate on this precious truth and allow it to animate our spiritual service in the dark nights of our souls.