May 20, 2012: Pressed and Crushed – Michael Hidalgo

Mark gives us a startling picture of how agonizing Jesus’ decision was to obey his father. He was in the place of the “olive press” – a place where olives were pressed and crushed. Jesus is compared to an olive being pressed and crushed with the oil being squeezed out of it. 

Often we abandon the humanity of Jesus and his agony in submitting to his father’s will. This was not an easy prayer to pray, but it was one that Jesus prayed in faith. Mark shows us that no matter how difficult the decision we, through God, have the power to do it.