Word@Work 175 - Mark 14:35-36
Published: Mon, 07/28/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:35-36 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." (NIV)
Jesus knew, full well, what the agreed plan was - to die on a cross, bearing the sins of the world and experiencing the full weight of the Father's wrath against Himself. That 'cup of God's wrath' had already been explained in the Old Testament (cf. Is 51:17), and mentioned by Jesus in Mark 10:38-39.
But as a man, that did not stop Him pleading with His Father that He might be spared the agony of the cross. Jesus was confident that the power and authority could be safely left in the Father's hands. Father God can always do whatever He pleases; and it was in His hand to grant or refuse the request. But Jesus was no victim of cosmic child abuse (as some have claimed), He willingly chose to submit Himself to His Father's will; and He also did that because He loved us!
Of course this Gethsemane experience was unique. It was not intended to be a model for those going through hard times. Even in our darkest moments, no Christian will ever have to bear the weight of His own sins and face the wrath of God ... Jesus has already done that for us. But one principle still applies, "Yet not what I will, but what You will"! Our suffering has no atoning power, but it is suffering none the less. Can we trust the Lord in our little pain, as Jesus could in His awesome passion? Above all, do we really trust that all He suffered was because of us: so that whatever life throws at us, eternity will be calm and bright?
Prayer: Father God. How I thank You that Jesus has already suffered for all my sins; and that He did so because He loved me. In my little world at home and at work, help me to show my gratitude by seeking Your will above my own. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Jesus knew, full well, what the agreed plan was - to die on a cross, bearing the sins of the world and experiencing the full weight of the Father's wrath against Himself. That 'cup of God's wrath' had already been explained in the Old Testament (cf. Is 51:17), and mentioned by Jesus in Mark 10:38-39.
But as a man, that did not stop Him pleading with His Father that He might be spared the agony of the cross. Jesus was confident that the power and authority could be safely left in the Father's hands. Father God can always do whatever He pleases; and it was in His hand to grant or refuse the request. But Jesus was no victim of cosmic child abuse (as some have claimed), He willingly chose to submit Himself to His Father's will; and He also did that because He loved us!
Of course this Gethsemane experience was unique. It was not intended to be a model for those going through hard times. Even in our darkest moments, no Christian will ever have to bear the weight of His own sins and face the wrath of God ... Jesus has already done that for us. But one principle still applies, "Yet not what I will, but what You will"! Our suffering has no atoning power, but it is suffering none the less. Can we trust the Lord in our little pain, as Jesus could in His awesome passion? Above all, do we really trust that all He suffered was because of us: so that whatever life throws at us, eternity will be calm and bright?
Prayer: Father God. How I thank You that Jesus has already suffered for all my sins; and that He did so because He loved me. In my little world at home and at work, help me to show my gratitude by seeking Your will above my own. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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