JESUS WAS “SORE AFRAID!”

I was walking one day in deep meditation, when I heard in my spirit these words: “I want you to write a book on marriage.” I thought it was the Spirit of God speaking to me, but I nevertheless argued that there were so many other people who could do a much better job writing—-. Before I could finish my thoughts, I heard this: “I want you to title it, “The Majesty, The Mystery and the Mission of Marriage”! I realized then, it was God’s Spirit talking to me, and I began to weep! Then I asked where to start. And I heard, “In the beginning”.

When I completed that work, I was reading the Gospel of Mark and came across these two words, “sore afraid”. I wondered what that meant, so I looked up the meaning, and I understood that the human Jesus was so terrified considering what He was going to go through, that He could not move! That is why He had Peter, James, and John Walk with Him, to help him. We know that is true because in verse 35 we see without their holding onto Him, He fell.

“Have you ever faced a moment so heavy, so terrifying, that it brought you to your knees? A moment where you begged for another path—any other path—than the one laid before you? Now imagine that moment… but you’re Jesus Christ. This is the powerful premise behind writing the book, The Human Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. I believe it is a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most pivotal scenes in all of Scripture. Most of us know the story: the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before the crucifixion, where Jesus prays to the Father, ‘Let this cup pass from me.’ But what I do, in the book, is invite us to linger in that moment. To slow down. To sit in the shadows of the olive trees and feel the weight pressing on Jesus’ shoulders—not as a detached Savior above human emotion, but as a man. A man overwhelmed with sorrow. A man in agony. A man facing the full reality of death, abandonment, and suffering. This book doesn’t seek to undermine the divinity of Christ. Quite the opposite, it strengthens our reverence for His sacrifice by showing us what it really cost Him, emotionally and mentally. It paints a Jesus who is accessible, relatable, and profoundly human. Someone who trembles in fear—just like we do. Someone who pleads with God for relief—just like we have. Someone who, despite that fear, still says, ‘Not my will, but Yours be done.’ That is courage. That is faith. And that is what makes this book so impactful. But The Human Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is not just a theological reflection—it is also a guide for personal growth. I try to skillfully draw parallels between Jesus’ struggle and the struggles we all face: uncertainty, grief, decision-making, betrayal, and surrender. I invite my readers into a meditative experience that bridges Scripture and real life. Whether you are someone enduring suffering and searching for meaning… whether you’re a pastor looking to deepen your congregation’s understanding of Holy Week… or simply a believer trying to see Christ in a more intimate light… this book meets you where you are. Another thing worth highlighting is my background—not only do I bring biblical understanding, but I write with a heart for the modern Christian. The language is approachable, the insights are rich, and the experience is deeply personal. I want readers to walk away not just knowing more about Jesus, but knowing Jesus in a new, more human way. I believe it’s also a great book for small group discussions, personal devotions, or even as a Holy Week resource. Each chapter invites conversation and reflection. You’ll find yourself returning to passages again and again, especially in seasons of trial. In a world that often tells us to be strong, be unshakable, and hide our fears, The Human Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane reminds us that even the Son of God felt afraid—and that acknowledging our humanity is not weakness, but strength. It’s permission to be real, and to trust that God can still work through us, just as He did through His Son. This is a book that invites you into sacred vulnerability. Into courage. And into a deeper walk with Christ. The Human Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane—a profound, timely, and tender reflection on the cost of obedience, the weight of sacrifice, and the strength found in surrender.

See you soon in Heaven!

John H Dumke, Sr

December 09, 2025