John 18: 11 “Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Jesus is willing and ready to drink the cup the Father has given to Him and thereby be our provision for salvation and everlasting life.
The cup is the symbol of suffering. The cup of wrath is the response of God against sin. Isaiah 51:7 “Awake, awake, rise up O Jerusalem you who have drunk from the hand of the cup of his wrath. You who have drained to its dregs the goblet that makes men stagger.” Rev 14:10 tells us “He too will drink of the wine of God’s fury which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath.” Jesus took it upon Himself for us on the cross.
Jesus’ greatest concern is still for His disciples and not Himself. He does not put His own concerns first. There was no other way to save the world and it wasn’t because we deserved His sacrifice. It is because of His love.
God took upon Himself the wrath against sin in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ suffering was completely voluntary; we have a Savior who was far more willing to save us than we are willing to be saved. He knew of these torments, and the scourging, and the cross from the beginning. That was probably some of the temptation in the garden when He prayed “If there be any way, let this cup pass from me, but nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done.”
Friends, the greatest suffering is spiritual suffering i.e. to be forever separated from God for all eternity. He experienced the cup of wrath for all who will believe so we never have to experience that. Our protection comes by the power and the plan and the pain through the provision offered by Jesus.
When we come to the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of our Lord, John makes it very clear that Jesus is the One who is in control—not the Roman soldiers, not the Jewish religious leaders, not the mob, not Judas, and certainly not the disciples. Jesus is in control; He initiates contact with those who seek to arrest Him.
Jesus wants to gives us freedom that neither the militants of Islam, nor the oppression of communism in Ukraine can touch. It includes an inward freedom from sin, from purposelessness. Even from the fear of death if we know we will go to heaven. Jesus frees our souls from the control of this world and its lusts.
Have you trusted in Him for the forgiveness of your sins? He is the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep, for you.
I pray that you are one who belongs to Him, and that you will rejoice in His salvation.
Prayer: Jesus, I know that only you can save me from my sin and condemnation. I trust in you for the forgiveness of my sins. Thank you, that no matter what is going on around me in this world, I can share in the freedom that is only found in Christ. Help me to be able to surrender my will to you. When my self will wants what it wants, help me to say, "Not my will, but thine be done".
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If you wish to get the fuller version of this daily devotion send a request via email to pastordale@outlook.com. For Pastor Cope's full bio, see the Staff page of this website.
