Forsaken 

Perfect. Truth. Love. Holy. Glorified before the creation of the world, he chose himself for this. The moment has come. 

   He is the Good Shepherd. He presents himself as a sacrificial Lamb.

   He is the Light of the world. He takes on the mantle of darkness.

   If he suffers, will anyone care ... across the seas, across the centuries? 

   He had told the common people, If you have seen me, you have seen the Father. They were bent on making him king. Who can blame them? He is King Eternal isn't he?  

   The Father had introduced him: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Tonight, he has given his Son a cup from which to drink. 

   Father, everything is possible for you; take this cup from me. 

   A shudder ripples through The Host. If the Father grants his request, warrior angels will rush to his rescue. For mortals - no mercy. No grace. No forgiveness. No reconciliation. No redemption. 

   Nothing defiled enters the gates of God's beautiful city. 

   "Son of man," Satan snarls, "What will it be? You who preached self denial. Can you deny yourself? You who taught them to turn the other cheek, what will you do when they strike you with their fists?"

   "You who taught your followers to lose their lives for your sake ... will you lose your life, for them?" The enemy presses in. "You who commanded, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind ... will you refuse his cup?" 

   "So, they are to love their neighbors and their enemies. Will you forgive those who are going to beat you, taunt you, mock you and nail you to the tree ... before the eyes of your dear mother?"   

   One thing remains. If Jesus cannot obey in all things, he can never ask anyone to obey anything. 

   Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done. 

   Quiet settles over The Host. Below, near the Mount of Olives, a band of rancorous men light torches and set out for the garden. 

Tomorrow: Judas knows