"Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson" explores the ministering of angels to Jesus in times of trial, including after his baptism and in the Garden of Gethsemane.
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Quick takeaways
Angels ministered to Jesus after his baptism and in the Garden of Gethsemane, providing support and ministry out of love.
The angels' role was not to overcome the devil or remove Jesus' suffering, but to strengthen him to willingly endure the cross for humanity.
Deep dives
Ministry of Angels in Jesus' Life
Throughout Jesus' life, angelic appearances are found during crucial moments of advance or conflict in the Kingdom of God. The Gospels mention specific occasions when the angels ministered to Jesus. Early in his ministry, after Jesus' baptism and facing the devil in the wilderness, angels came and ministered to him. Matthew describes Jesus as physically exhausted and tempted, while the angels eagerly ministered to their king. However, it is crucial to note that the angels did not overcome the devil or resist the temptations on Jesus' behalf. Jesus himself achieved victory, and the angels provided support and ministry to him out of love.
Angel's Strengthening in Gethsemane
Towards the end of Jesus' ministry, in the Garden of Gethsemane, an angel appeared and strengthened him during his agonizing prayer. Rather than easing his strain, the angel's presence enabled Jesus to face the overwhelming challenge of his impending crucifixion. Luke's account reveals that Jesus, in response to this angelic visitation, prayed even more earnestly and experienced intense anguish, with his sweat resembling drops of blood. The angel's role was not to remove or make the challenge easier, but to strengthen Jesus to willingly undergo the suffering and death on the cross for humanity. The depiction of this angelic support captivates the imagination of those who seek to understand the depth of the sacrifice made by Jesus.
The Bible identifies angels as "ministering spirits" (Heb. 1:14), and we find them ministering to their incarnate King in times of trial. Today, Sinclair Ferguson looks at two of these moving moments in Jesus' life.