by Ruth
Have you ever wondered about the story recorded in the Gospel books regarding Jesus’ agony at the Garden of Gethsemane atop the Mount of Olives? Was He suffering so much because He was afraid of death? When we were in Israel, we visited the place several times and developed a different perspective.
I’ve written that experience into my new book, Detour to Agape (soon to be published on Amazon). Below is an excerpt from the book.
At the base of the Mount of Olives, a sign pointed toward the Garden. Yao and his entourage entered the gate and came upon an olive grove.
Nana Lee rushed forward to touch a tree’s bark. “Was this where the Lord prayed so intensely that He sweated drops of blood?”
“It could be.” Margie surveyed the gnarled trees. “These are at least several hundred years old. Since olive trees can grow back from roots after being cut down, one of these might have been with Jesus back then.”
“You sound like an expert.” Despite his sarcasm, Shawn plucked an olive leaf. He rubbed the waxy tip between his fingers, his brow furrowing. “Why did Jesus experience agony here? If He were God, He should have known better and not fallen into distress.”
“Excellent question.” Nana Lee flashed her characteristic gentle smile. “As God, He foresaw what kind of torture He would need to endure.”
Shawn squinted. “But He should know He wouldn’t really die.”
“Jesus did prophesy His resurrection.” She patted his arm. “His most unbearable agony wasn’t about death, but about His foreseeing that the eternal fellowship among Trinity would temporarily shatter with all sins laid on Him.”
“You’ve got me more confused. What’s Trinity?” Shawn tossed the leaf away as if trying to brush away the nonsense.
Yao fumbled with his Patek Philippe watch. Good thing he didn’t have to answer such a question from a nonbeliever about a tough theological concept!
The tender smile never left Nana Lee’s lips. “The God we believe in is one God with three distinct persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
“How can three distinct persons be the same God?” Shawn’s forehead wrinkled. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
“It’s a mystery to us humans because we’re limited by time and space. Our God, who is beyond time and space, can exist in three persons simultaneously.”
Margie patted Nana Lee’s shoulder, then tugged at her silk sleeve. “Wow, you said it well. I’ve never heard such an outstanding explanation. For sure, God is far beyond us. We can’t try to use our limited mind to explain Him.” Crossing her arms and widening her stance, Margie faced Shawn. “Sometimes, it’s better to admit our limits and simply believe.”
Shawn shook his head but kept quiet.
Yao brought a palm to his face, hiding his grin. Ha, so unlike Shawn. The rowdy giant was softening toward Christianity.
Note: Detour to Agape and Blazing China will be published later this year. If you’re interested in receiving an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy, an eCopy), please drop Ruth a note at ruth@ruthforchrist.com.
