Jesus went out to pray at the Mount of Olives. Scripture tells us this was his usual practice, but tonight would be anything but usual. Tonight, Jesus struggled with finding peace. He prayed as usual, but different words with a different weight: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42 NIV)
Drops of blood seeping from His pores accentuated the truth Jesus knew: He’d have to face the pain and suffering He was meant to endure. His humanity experienced fear as the time drew near. He turned for strength from the One who had supplied it before: His Father.
We read in verse 43 that “an angel strengthened Him.”
Although Jesus had asked for another path, He willingly surrendered to God’s plan. He exemplified what we need to learn to do, something that oftentimes feels almost impossible: surrender our very lives to the One who breathed life into us.
Trust His way is best.
Jesus knew the purpose of His life was to give it up for us. He knew God had authored that exchange so we could be reunited with our Heavenly Father.
How sobering.
How humbling.
How unfathomable.
Jesus would lay down His life so that you and I might be able to approach God and spend eternity with Him.
Jesus wanted to make it possible to offer you and me that choice.
We see Jesus hesitate moments before it’s time. But only hesitate, not refuse. He chose complete surrender, trusting His Father with His future.
What would our lives look like if we lived like Jesus, in complete surrender to God? If we chose to say, “not my will, but Yours?”
It may not be as out-of-reach as we might imagine. God promises to supply every need (Philippians 4:19). That includes the need for more faith, more trust, and more Jesus. If you are like me, that’s exactly what I need today. More faith so I too, can start to learn to surrender to Him. Will you join me in prayer for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for Jesus’ example. Thank You for promising to supply my every need. I come before You now, I need more faith. I need more trust. I need more Jesus. Please draw me closer to You so that I too, may learn to fully surrender to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.