When Jesus prayed the second time, it seems that He had not received much relief, or any indication that the cup would be taken away, for now He says, "My Father, if it is not possible [what I asked] ... may your will be done." Instead of removing the cup of suffering, the Father gave His Son the strength He needed to face it, to drink it, all of it. Luke says an angel from heaven strengthened Him. Hebrews tells us that it was for the joy set before Him that He endured the cross, despising the shame.
In all of this we can see the genuineness of Jesus suffering. He was not some "superior" being in the sense that He could not be touched with the dread and terror that can seize us also. And the things that strengthened Him in suffering were the things that strengthen us: joy and love. He looked forward to the joy of the victory ahead, not just that He would rise from death again, but that He would bring many others with Him, Children of God, ransomed and redeemed through His sacrifice on the cross.
There are times when God shows us what our efforts and agony are accomplishing, and so we are strengthened to endure something. But even if we do not see, and the cup is not taken away, we have every reason to say, "If it is not possible, may Your will be done." He has set before us joy and life and light with our Lord Jesus. He has assured us of His love. He who was able to create the heavens and the earth, wants nothing but the best for us. So if the way seems narrow and steep, we can be sure that He is still leading us to wide open country. Thus we also pray with Jesus during those times that we remain in agony for a while. |
