URC Daily Devotion 11 April 2025

St Luke 22: 39 – 46
 
He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’
 
Reflection

This account in Luke of Jesus’ anguish before the appalling time of trial ahead of him is shorter than that given in Mark’s gospel, but is perhaps the more powerful in its stark brevity. The images used have resonated down the years and in our own experiences; phrases like “sweating blood” have become part of our language used in times of challenge.
Perhaps what is so potent in these verses is that Jesus expresses doubt. In our discourse within Christian communities, we can so often let the fervour of our faith rule out feelings of uncertainty and doubt.  Yes, here we see Jesus in effect modelling that it is OK to express doubt in our conversations with God.
I remember many years ago working with young people on issues of belief, faith and spirituality. We did this through an anthology of readings – prose and poetry – entitled “Guard my Unbelief.”  It proved to be a highly effective programme which the young people felt was helpful to their spiritual development.  It gave them permission to range and examine questions of faith and belief – INCLUDING the space to explore and express doubt.
So, in our churches and our Christian relationships it is good to ask whether we provide this safe space in which people feel embraced and secure to explore fundamental issues of faith, belief, concerns, confusions … and even doubt. 

Prayer
 
We listen, but we can’t hear your voice.
We call you, but you do not answer.
We’re longing for certainties, 
but there are only more questions.
We are beset by doubts.
 
God of doubts,
You graciously embrace our belief and our unbelief
You lovingly smile on all that we are
You renew us and make us whole.
Amen.