“Face-prints,” of course, refer to Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Going a little farther He fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).
We would be mistaken to think of this as an example of “unanswered prayer.” True, Jesus made a specific request—removal of the cruel cup—and He received a different answer. Jesus did indeed drink the full cup of punishment for the world’s sins. In taking our place, the pain was so bad that He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46 cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21). We too may have times when we feel rejected, when we cry out in pain, when God seems far away in our time of greatest need. These are the dark days that strain faith severely. The temptation is to abandon prayer, thinking God is not answering. But we determine to follow the steps of Jesus. So we continue in faith and prayer. Ultimately, Jesus’ footprints lead out of Friday’s darkness into the brightness of Sunday. Knowing that, our perspective becomes much more positive.
In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence (Hebrews 5:7).
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
He was heard and saved from death!
Jesus was heard! He was saved from death since, though the cross, He defeated death forever. He endured by focusing on “the joy” ahead. By “looking to Jesus” we too can endure!