Day 9 :: Not My Will
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me – nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Luke 22:42(39-44)
“Where there’s a will there’s a way!”
It’s a common phrase, making the point that with enough determination, obstacles can be overcome. It makes sense too. Sometimes we need that encouragement to pursue our goals.
What happens when two opposite wills collide though? Imagine a dad that is willing their toddler to eat dinner, but the toddler’s will is to keep that mouth closed. I’ve been there and can confirm it ends up messy!
After sharing the Passover meal, Jesus and his disciples headed out to the Mount of Olives, a place they had visited often. After encouraging his friends to pray, he walked a bit further, sank to his knees, and poured out his heart to his Father in prayer.
In anguish, he pleaded that ‘this cup’ be taken from him. The cup here is a picture of his circumstances ahead, his portion that he has been given. It’s a picture of the suffering he was about to face. He knew he was about to bear the wrath of God. He knew he was heading to a shameful, excruciating, torturous death on a cross. He pleaded that there would be another way.
Strengthened by an angel, he prayed with even more passion. In his agony he was dripping with sweat. His sweat was like drops of blood.
Perhaps this was metaphorical and just means that the sweat was pouring off him, like blood from a gaping wound. It’s possible though that his anguish was so intense and his body was so deeply affected with pain, that capillaries burst, and his dripping sweat was mixed with blood.
It’s little wonder then that Jesus, the true and perfect human, was pleading that this cup of suffering would be taken away.
“…nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
His flesh was feeling the torture of his destiny. Just the thought of what was ahead was tearing his body apart. But he was still going to submit to his Father’s will. He would painfully lay down his life and comfort so that his people could know the ultimate good of being free from the eternal pain, anguish and suffering of hell.
In our stubbornness, we can often act like the toddler that doesn’t want to open their mouth. We want our way and avoid the discomfort of serving others. We want our will to be done, rather than submitting to our Fathers’ will.
What would it look like today for us to submit to the Father’s will?
How has God’s word convicted us, and yet we’ve not responded in obedience?
Who can we serve today by laying aside our desires?
We can only do any of this with our eyes on Jesus. He served, he obeyed, and he gave his life, as the Father willed. We respond in service, obedience and giving our lives.
Today, let’s pray that we’d know Christ’s strength, so that however hard or painful it might feel, that we would humbly submit to God’s will, knowing it is for our ultimate good.
Passages to read: Luke 22:39-44
A thought to remember: Jesus humbly submitted to his Father’s will.
A question to ask: What will it look like for you to obey God’s will today?
A song to sing: Man of Sorrows