“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with FERVENT CRIES AND TEARS to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Son though He was, HE LEARNED OBEDIENCE FROM WHAT HE SUFFERED and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him…” (Heb. 5:7-9)
When did Jesus go through all this anguish? “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed Him. On reaching the place, He said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened him. And being in ANGUISH (agōnia: severe mental struggles), HE PRAYED MORE EARNESTLY, AND HIS SWEAT WAS LIKE DROPS OF BLOOD falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:39-44)
Hematidrosis is a rare, but very real, medical condition that causes one’s sweat to contain blood. The sweat glands are surrounded by tiny blood vessels that can constrict and then dilate to the point of rupture, causing blood to effuse into the sweat glands. The cause of hematidrosis is EXTREME ANGUISH. In the other gospel accounts, we see the level of Jesus’ anguish: “My soul is OVERWHELMED WITH SORROW to the point of death,” He said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” (Mark 14:34)
Once one has given their life to Christ and “…have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance, they are CRUCIFYING THE SON OF GOD ALL OVER AGAIN AND SUBJECTING HIM TO PUBLIC DISGRACE.” (Heb. 6:6) If you have sinned, “REPENT, then, and TURN TO GOD, so that YOUR SINS MAY BE WIPED OUT, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…” (Acts 3:19)
-Bill Stockham