‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.’
Luke 22:42
Author God,
How we thank you for writing this tragic scene into your story,
that we might know the grief
Jesus suffered as he contemplated
fulfilling the mission you had given him.
Our Savior begged you to “remove this cup” (Luke 22:42).
In his humanity, he dreaded the horror of crucifixion.
As your sinless Son,
he dreaded even more
bearing your wrath for our sins.
And yet, he prayed, “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).
You did not remove the cup.
You sent an angel to strengthen him.
And our Savior cried more tears,
prayed more prayers,
sweating blood in his agony.
From him, we learn that it’s okay
to name the horror of death.
From him, we learn to pray
as we grieve.
And from him, we learn that even in grief,
we look to glory,
for Jesus “endured the cross
for the joy that was set before him” (Hebrews 12:2).
How we thank you for the joy you gave us
through our Savior’s death and resurrection.
In his wonderful name we pray. Amen.
Read Luke 22:29-46.
Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage is the author of Preparing for Glory: Biblical Answers to 40 Questions on Living and Dying in Hope of Heaven.
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