Matthew 26:39

“O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”
Jesus was very much the human going through such a painful, terrible time—and wanting relief. He
was also the very son of God, one with the Father–
During his time on earth he had thrived with the constant communication and fellowship they had
together. He depended on the Father for direction and power.
Now that was coming to an end.
The cup he faced was utter rejection, the complete withdrawal of the Father’s presence, love,
and approval, resulting in heart-wrenching darkness.
ALONE BUT–
—what of the plan, the great goal for which Jesus aimed: to undergo himself the just punishment for
all sinners; the act that would open the door for all to be saved from judgment?
Could there be some other way to accomplish it?
NO.
God knew how it could be done, should be done, must be done. And God knew how wonderful the
results would be. So Jesus yielded to the will of the Father whom he knew to be holy, just, loving and
merciful. If the cup cannot be passed over, or gotten around, but must be drunk to accomplish God’s
will, then—"Thy will be done.” So Jesus drank every drop. “Father, my Father! Why have you
forsaken me?” Inexorable rejection. God was out of reach.
AFTERWARD
For Jesus, a special joy awaited him. He was to have highest honor and deep fellowship with His
Father. He would inherit the earth and rule in righteousness at God’s right hand. Evil would be
conquered and done away with forever! He could now bring many to be his brothers in God’s family.
He would have sweet fellowship with them, talk to them about the Father, and with the Father on their
behalf; ,And together they would sing God’s praises!
WHAT OF THE CUP WE FIND BEING PRESENTED TO US?
Many of us undergo painful trials: sorrows, persecution, wayward children, ill-health, bodily
deterioration, being misunderstood, having to deal with antagonism, betrayal . . . .
We cry out to God to let that cup pass!
It is such a bitter drink, and lasts so long! We cannot possibly bear it.
If God wants us to drink the cup, then that is the way for it to pass.
Can we say, “If this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done? “Help me to receive it from your
hand. “Be with me as I drink, sustain me with the joy waiting beyond. “Bring about the glory due your
name. “May I praise and thank you for it all—down to the bitter dregs.”
Any cup the Father hands to us cannot compare to the one Jesus endured. Because he took it all, we
have eternal acceptance and entrance into the Holy Place. And, no cup God asks us to drink has to be
suffered alone. He does not withdraw from us, but comes closer, bringing His sustaining, comforting
Spirit. Isaiah 63:9: “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.”
And we? When the cup is drained, what do we have?
Consider the possibilities.

Carolyn Loveland lives in and serves the Lord in Richmond, KY.