“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38
Jesus knew his God-given agenda: Be born miraculously of a virgin girl, experience humanity while living a sinless life, teach people about God, heal human bodies, human hearts, human lives.
Then finally, die a criminal’s death for a crime he didn’t commit.
Why?
All to save humanity from certain spiritual separation from God.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, we glimpse Jesus’ reaction to the assignment of dying on a cross:
“I really don’t want to.”
A very human reaction from the Son of God.
How did Jesus, a leader and the Son of God, handle his human response?
He took it to the One who had given it. The One who could do something about it. And, the One who controls everything.
He respectfully made his feelings known.
Then, He yielded to authority, the highest authority, even when His orders were unchanged.
What didn’t He do?
He didn’t gossip or complain to his friends about it.
He didn’t throw even a mental tantrum and proclaim, “I will NOT.”
He didn’t wield his own authority to wiggle out of it.
Even when the assignment was impossibly difficult and fear reigned in His heart, Jesus did what God asked of Him. And in His obedience He offered salvation to all of humanity; for you and for me.
Reflections:
What do I choose to do with His offer?
Although Jesus knew He was the Way, the Truth, and the Light and that no one would come to the Father except through Him; He was not the highest in command. God was (and is.) As we celebrate Easter this weekend have I truly thanked Jesus for what He did, acknowledging what a true sacrifice He made?
Do I truly comprehend how much God loves me, and all of humanity, that He authored that path for His beloved Son?
How can I implement that measure of faith and obedience even when my mind embraces the “I don’t want to” attitude?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, My mind cannot comprehend how deep Your love is. Jesus, how wonderful to study Your example of obedience, even in this terrible time of despair. Please strengthen me to obey You in everything. Thank You for following orders, even when it cost You everything. In Your obedience, I can choose to gain the most important thing: a personal relationship with God. Amen.
Thanks for reading! Please return by Monday, April 13 for the next post.
I really needed this today. I fit into the category of having a mental tantrum and exclaiming I will not!
So sorry to hear today is difficult! I think anyone’s who walked with the Lord for any length of time has had many of those days. Please know I’m keeping you in prayer this week.
Love in Christ, Stefanie