“Going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’” – Matthew 26:39
By the time we reach this verse, Jesus was deeply grieved or sorrowful over what was to come and we see that Jesus – knowing the pain to come, invited his closest friends to come watch with him, and support him in his time of sorrow. He was feeling the fullness of both duty to the Father and love for the Creation, mingled with the sting of abandonment, torture, and death.
He who knew no sin would become sin so that we might be the righteousness of God. And, even with his friends’ inability to stand watch with him, and to fully support him in his time of need – he still chose to be obedient and to put the father‘s mission ahead of his own once.
This reminds me of Philippians chapter 2:4-8. It says:
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.– Philippians 2:4-8
Reflect… What will our response be to the humility, and servanthood, and obedience of Christ displayed in that Garden? How should his choice shape our gratitude, our hope and our service to others as we walk through this season of Lent, and beyond?
Pray With Me… Heavenly Father, we cannot begin to understand this moment in the Garden of Gethsemane for your son. Jesus, mankind turned their backs on you, and your closest friends abandoned and eventually denied knowing you. Your father would turn his face from you on the cross as you took on our sin and punishment. And yet, you chose to walk in obedience to the Father’s plan. You demonstrated pure love for broken Creation by simply saying, “but as you will.” Thank you for your willingness to lay down your life for me that I might find restoration and hope. Have mercy on me, and make me faithful, more like you, and a living witness to the love of God towards all His creation. Amen!
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