Jesus may have made a vow when he fasted 40 days and night without food and water.
I think this is the limit of human endurance of 40 days without food and water. Some may endure for a week or two, but 40 days, is too long for many of us.
He faced constant threat of death during those 40 days. Finally he conquered. Put yourself into his position and you will see how difficult it is.
Jesus knew several days before he went to Jerusalem that he would be killed. And on the night of his capture,
[Mt 26:36-46]And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.' And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, 'My father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.' And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, 'So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. [Luke 22:41-46]And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 'Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done' And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling upon the ground. |
Jesus would not have done this should he have no choice but to accept death.
He had other choices : he could lead away his disciples and build a kingdom ! He could flee and preach to the Greek, ....
But why did he not do so and accept death ?
Everyone of us is fallible, and thus it is why Jesus taught us "watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Let all Christian take note, because who knows what trials will befall us in the future, and we are still in the flesh (make sure that we bear the cross and follow Jesus to the end).
I am of the opinion that Joseph Smith failed to conquer death when he was threatened by an "angel" three times, of killing him if he did not accept the "principle of celestial marriage" (another word of polygamy - which is in direct contradiction to the teachings in Book of Mormon - monogamy). He conquered 2 times but on the third time he yielded and accepted a principle no Christian, especially Chinese Christians, will accept.