He Suffered
Wednesday, March 31
He Suffered
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Luke 22:42
In the Garden of Gethsemane, on the night of His arrest, Jesus was in anguish. The Son of God, was struggling with His humanity. He knew exactly what He had to do, but in the weakness of human flesh His soul was deeply troubled and He asked for the cup to be removed. Where was all the wisdom and strength He knew in the wilderness when He was tempted by the devil? It was there but in His flesh, Jesus cried out for help. Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me” (Matthew 26:39). A cup so bitter that He didn’t know if He could take it or not. But the Father’s will was paramount, so He said “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup [of divine wrath] from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.” (Amplified Version)
The time had come. Six hours after being cruelly nailed to a wooden cross, Jesus knew the moment had arrived. The world would never be the same again. ‘Knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst …” They filled a sponge with sour wine….. and put it to His mouth. When He had received (it) He said, “It is finished” (John 19:28-30). In that moment He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. It was done. All was accomplished. Jesus had taken to Himself all the bitterness of mankind, and died. In his sinless humanity He’d done what He came to do. He drank the sour wine of sin and took it with Him to death.
Each year as we commemorate Holy Week the reality of what God the Son went through painfully comes alive. This is a solemn moment for the believer. Understanding the reality of His suffering, there is no sugar coating what happened that week as they lead Him to the cross.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, I’m humbled at the thought that You took everything impure which was within me, and died with it all. That You should do this for me is overwhelming. This week I remember all that was done and reaffirm my commitment to live for You in the freedom that You won for me. I submit myself to You afresh now, and ask You to be my Lord, as well as my Savior. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.