A Willing Captive (#190 of 365+)

“Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?’” (John 18:11)

Here in this chapter we can see a glimpse of the majestic character
of the King of Kings. Behaving like a true commanding officer in charge, he personally greeted the detachment of soldiers and religious officials. When they said they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth the Lord boldly self-identified as he had to their forefather Moses by saying, “I am.”

At those words the entire impressive group fell backwards.

Just a few hours before, Jesus told his disciples he felt “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Mark 14:34). He prayed that the Father would find another way to redeem his people. No one could ever blame him for not wanting to drink the “cup” of the Father’s wrath toward sin. It would be the most difficult task the Son of God would ever face. We can’t even begin to wrap our minds around it. We just can’t comprehend how offensive our sin is to a Holy God.

Jesus had lived among sinners for over 30 years and he loved every one of them. He wasn’t trying to shirk his duties. He just needed confirmation from his Superior that this was the only way to get the job done (Mark 14:36). Once he received his final orders, he graciously accepted the assignment and forged ahead. He knew there could be no turning back.

This morning Joni asked, “Do you have a difficult duty to which God has called you? Is the Lord asking you to ‘die’ to a certain habit, wish, or circumstance? Are you following the Lord’s lead reluctantly? Ask God to give you the attitude of Christ.”

Lord Jesus, thank you for accepting the Father’s will and being willing to die on the cross for me. Help me to be like you in my own difficult situations. Amen.