Christ the True Way to Life; and Inspiring the Hymn “In the Garden”
Following betrayal of Judas and
denial of Peter, John focuses on
the trial before Pilate & governor’s
futile efforts to release Jesus.
Yielding to political expediency
and mob pressure, Pilate sentences
Jesus to be crucified. Many of the
details John includes are unique:
soldiers casting dice for Jesus’robe
the spear trust into Jesus’ side;
the various post-resurrection
appearances including to Mary
and to Thomas. Through it all,
John’s purpose shines forth clearly
to present Jesus as the Son of God
in His life, death and resurrection.
Austin Miles (1868 –1946) was a
prolific American writer of gospel
songs, best known for his 1912
hymn: In the Garden. He wrote…
I was seated in the darkroom where
I kept my photographic equipment.
I drew my Bible & opened at Jn 20.
As I read it, I seemed to be part of
the scene. I became a silent witness
to that dramatic moment in Mary’s
life, when she knelt before her Lord,
and cried, “Rabboni!” Under the
inspiration of this vision I wrote as
quickly as the words were formed.
That evening I wrote the music.
Lord, we purpose to Believe In You:
Woman, Why are you Weeping?…
Jesus said to her: Mary! She turned
and said to him: Rabonni! Jesus said
to her: Go to my brethren & say to
them: I am ascending to My Father
and your Father (Jn 20:13-17).
And Thomas answered and said
to Him: My Lord and my God!
Then Jesus told him: Blessed are
those who have Not Seen and
yet Have Believed (v28-29).
The disciples saw Jesus do many
other miraculous signs in addition
to the ones recorded in this book.
But these are written so that
you may continue to Believe
that Jesus is the Messiah, the
Son of God, and that By Believing
in Him you will Have Life by the
power of His name (Jn 20:30-31).
Father, thanks for the wonderful
fact that Christ is indeed risen!
Help us Lord to put every aspect
of our lives in that perspective.
Continue to pour out Your grace
and Your mercy on Your people.
Lead us to perfect freedom in Christ.
And let the joy to be fulfilled in
heaven will also gladden our way
on earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord, we can turn very skeptical
when we go through tough times.
Like Thomas, we may want proof
that Your words are really true.
Help us Lord in spiritual matters
to Believe whether or not we see
or understand all that is going on.
And when we do so, we ask that
You will grant us experience Your
blessings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord, Your word says By Believing
in You, we will have abundant life.
Thank You for the peace even
when problem comes along my way.
I purpose to turn to You; for I know
my situation will be in Your hand
& that You will lead me through it.
Help me Lord to continue to draw
near to You in Word and prayer.
And may Your inner witness be
my comfort and strength. Amen.
Lord, I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses.
And the voice I hear,
falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me,
And He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And Joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known. Amen.