Note: This blog post is part of an ongoing series on the final 24 hours of the life of the Savior.
Shortly after the Last Supper, the Savior traveled with his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane. “He…began to be sorrowful and very heavy” and said to Peter, James and John, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me” (Matthew 26:37-38).
The Savior went about stone’s throw away and “fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39). Was it possible for the cup to pass from Jesus?
In a sense, it was. Just steps away from where Jesus was suffering for the sins of the world was a Roman road that led directly out of Jerusalem. Instead of staying in the garden, Christ could have walked away.
It would have been so easy to step on that Roman road out of town and never look back. But Jesus didn’t give up on us then, and he is not giving up on us now. No matter what our circumstances he will stay faithful to us. He will strengthen us through the power of his Atonement so that we can continue to move forward even in the worst of circumstances. I love the Roman road near Gethsemane as a metaphor for the Savior’s love for each of us. He will never walk away from us!
Read more about the final 24 hours of the life of the Savior.
