Painting: The Agony in the Garden, Veronese (Paolo Caliari)
Luke 22:43-44
And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Me? The angel objected.
To comfort the King of Kings?
To strengthen the One who created me?
How can this be? The angel asked.
That the Son should feel weak and feeble,
and needed comfort and support.
What indignation! The angel felt.
How dare man inflict such agony upon my King!
Let me gather my legion of brothers to obliterate them.
Then he heard a cry so weak yet strong:
“Father, not my will but Yours be done!"
How can this be? The angel exclaimed.
The Son chose to bear the shame and the pain.
The Father chose to bear the separation with the Son.
Praise and glory! The angel surmised.
For he had longed to behold God's redemptive plan (1 Pet 1:12).
And so, he was sent to the garden to witness the Agony.