The Perfection of Jesus

Though Jesus was fully God, he was also fully man. Nothing reveals the full nature of Jesus than His prayer in Gethsemane. Three times our Lord knelt on His knees to plead with His Father. We are told that during this time of prayer in the garden, His sweat “became like great drops of blood falling to the ground.” The agony of this hour was extremely intense. Jesus’ desire for God to save the world without him having to drink the cup was enormous. “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Jesus was dreading the coming hour of His death. Yet He only wanted what His father willed. Such a battle is too familiar to us. Time and time again, we are faced with choosing either God’s will or our own desires which conflict with God’s will. Jesus however epitomized His perfection in this moment.

When we strive to be perfect like He is perfect, it will not be with a proud stance and independence. God hates pride and expects us to be dependant on Him. Perfection is not easy. Perfection is blood dripping from Christ’s body in the garden. It’s battling Satan’s temptations and taking God as our strength and refuge. Jesus’ perfection was shown through a cry to His Father with tears dripping down His face. Perfection was shown down on His knees, begging God for another way to save mankind. It was shown through His dependence on the prayers of His followers who were caught sleeping thrice.

he Father answered Jesus’ prayer with a gentle, “No my beloved Son, there is no other way.” Jesus’ response further revealed His perfect walk, “If this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Jesus was perfect in every way. When he willingly went to the cross and obeyed his Father, he gave us a way to be “perfect”- through the blood of the perfect sacrifice.

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Last modified: April 9, 2006