Devotionals by Raul Ries

TUESDAY March 31, 2026

The Battle Before the Cross

Then He [Jesus] said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” … And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”
Mark 14:34, 36

The soul of the Son of Man was sorrowful. He spoke to His disciples telling them how he felt, and asked them to do two important things––to stay with Him and to watch. Then Jesus went from them a little farther, fell on the ground, and spoke with His Father. The Son of God knew His cup of suffering would be hard to bear and asked for it to be taken away, yet He was willing to do the perfect will of God.

In Luke’s Gospel, although Jesus received heavenly help, a greater depth of agony was seen. It was the battle before the Cross:

...an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22:43-44).

You see, Jesus knew there was no other way to redeem mankind, and He fully submitted Himself to the will of the Father. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus had prepared Himself to go to the Cross through agonizing prayer. He returned to His disciples, but He found them sleeping. In the most desperate of times, when He needed them the most, they had failed to watch and pray. For now, they stayed, sleepy-eyed and unprepared for what was about to happen.

For our own good, Jesus asks of us the same two important things––to stay and to watch. We are to abide in Christ––never to leave Him.  We are also to be vigilant in prayer so that we are prepared to face the enemies’ attacks and be victorious against him. Will you be committed to do this?

Come, and see the victories of the cross! Christ’s wounds––are your healings, His agonies––are your repose, His conflicts––are your conquests, His groans––are your songs, His pains––are our ease, His shame––is your glory, His death––is your life, and His sufferings––are your salvation!
~Matthew Henry~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!