7 Causes of Agony in the Garden

“Hematohidrosis.” It’s the medical term for the condition Luke records Jesus experiencing on the night He was betrayed: “His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.” (Luke 22:44b)

This type of reaction is well-known though relatively rare, according to Dr. Frederic Zugibe. He describes it like this: “‘Around the sweat glands, there are multiple blood vessels in a net-like form.’ Under the pressure of great stress the vessels constrict. Then as the anxiety passes ‘the blood vessels dilate to the point of rupture. The blood goes into the sweat glands.’ As the sweat glands are producing a lot of sweat, it pushes the blood to the surface – coming out as droplets of blood mixed with sweat.'” (Source: Did Jesus really sweat drops of blood?)

And so what was it that could have produced such an agony in our Lord? I think it’s interesting the doctor’s references to “great stress” as the cause and “as the anxiety passes” the release of the drops of blood. (At least that’s how I read it.)

Let me start with the anxiety passing part first. Paul writes in Philippians: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Christ’s prayer at Gethsemane is the ultimate proof of this passage/truth? I think so. (Who needs to apply this?)

And then now on to the “great stress” part. In the list below I have grouped what Jesus had to know was coming. After all He had predicted it on more than one occasion. The following agonies are horrific for a human being to endure let alone taken together. And these thoughts are filling our Lord’s mind as He prays in the Garden?! (Selah~pause to reflect)

The last one of the seven I’m convinced was the ultimate cause of “hematohidrosis.” It also points to the most important thing above all else to God’s Son. He could face anything except #7 and would avoid it at all costs (if possible): “‘Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.'” (Luke 22:42)

See if you agree with…

7 Causes of Agony in the Garden:

#1: The beating with the cat-o-nine tails (scourging)
#2: The crown of thorns pushed into His skull
#3: The embarrassment of being stripped naked
#4: The nailing of hands and feet to a cross
#5: The crucifixion ordeal itself
#6: The sins of the world laid upon Him
#7: The separation from His Father (induced hematohidrosis in my mind)

(Picture above in the public domain: click here. PD-US)