Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.
Luke 22:42 NIV
Understanding that the events in the Bible are true and happened to real people like you and me is essential. Although Jesus is God, He became human so our redemption could be complete. Let us reflect on the events leading up to the crucifixion. One might think that since Jesus knew His purpose was to reconcile us with the Father, He would not have expressed His pain. However, the Bible reminds us that we have a high priest who understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15).
In today’s passage, Jesus, fully aware of the pain He would endure, cried out as a human being. When we read the crucifixion account, we may not fully grasp the weight of what Jesus went through. Even before He experienced the agony of the cross, He foresaw it and recognised His human frailty. Jesus expressed His desire for the Father to take the cup of suffering from Him. If that prayer had been answered, our redemption would not have been possible since that was the only way possible.
So, Jesus chose to set aside His own will and embrace God’s will, allowing us to experience God’s righteousness. The pain He endured was immense, but the joy of reconciling humanity with God motivated Him to persevere. As the Bible says, “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). His suffering was more than just physical pain—the beaten, piercing, shame, and lots more—yet He endured.
Therefore, as children of God, we must seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to discern God’s will in every situation. Our human understanding may falter, but when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we can endure challenges. Even through pain, we can walk in God’s will, knowing that the outcome will be a generational blessing. Let us hold firmly to the joy of fulfilling God’s will, not backing down because of the pain. We must prioritise His will over our own desires.
In conclusion, Jesus’ journey to the cross exemplifies the power of submitting to God’s will, even in the face of immense suffering. By following His example, we can trust that our trials will lead to greater blessings and fulfilment. Embrace the strength the Holy Spirit provides, knowing that through our struggles, we walk the path God has set for us. Ultimately, His will brings about redemption and joy that surpasses all understanding.
