The Death and Resurrection of the KingSample

A touching glimpse into God's heart

“And going a little farther He fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’” (Matthew 26:39)

I think the verse we read today is one of the most moving in the entire Bible. We see the Lord Jesus lying face down on the ground. Anxiously He cries out: "Father! Let this suffering pass from Me!"

Imagine your child lying on the ground crying and begging you for help. With a snap of your fingers you could take away all that fear and pain and sorrow. But if you don't intervene, your child will be arrested and tortured to death. Then you wouldn't have to think long, would you!

Yet God the Father did not intervene. He let His Son die. He watched Jesus being beaten, spat on and nailed to a cross. He forsook Him.

Why? How could God do this?

Because He loves us humans with an agape love that is infinite. Both the Father and the Son, Jesus, knew this was the only way to save people from eternal destruction. Even in His very deepest anguish, Jesus prayed, “Not as I will, but as You will.” For He was aware of the great purpose of His life and death. He wanted nothing more than to save us human beings. For that joyful purpose, He endured the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2).

Can you imagine loving someone that much?