26:36-44 Considering that Jesus knew that His purpose on earth was to die, why was He so distressed here?

Scriptures teach that Jesus had looked ahead to this hour (cp Jn 2:4; 7:30; 8:20; 12:23, 27; 13:1). But now, as the time drew near Jesus dreaded it (cp Mk 14:32-36; Lk 22:41-44).

Jesus’ anguish had nothing to do with the fear of man or the physical torments of the cross, for He had resolutely set Himself to die (cp Isa 50:6-7; Mt 20:28;Mk 10:32-34, 45; Lk 9:51; Jn 12:24, 27).

Our Lord was sorrowful because within hours the full cup of Divine fury against sin would be His to drink; He would bear the punishment for sin by being separated from God (cp Isa 53:10-12 with Psa 22:1; Mt 27:45-46; Mk 15:33-34; 2Cor 5:21).

See also comments on Mt 27:45-46; Lk 22:44;Jn 18:11.

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