Holy Week Reflections: The Cup of Surrender

CUP OF SURRENDER

Scripture Reading:

Luke 22:39-44 ~

He went out and made His way as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. When He reached the place, He told them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Then He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”

Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. Being in anguish, He prayed more fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. 

Reflection:

“Lord, I don’t want to do this.”  “This is too hard.”  “I cannot do what you are asking.”  “Take this cup away from me.”

Jesus, in his humanity, had no desire to die.  He was sorrowful and anxious.  He wanted God to take it all away. Yet, he spoke the words, “Not my will, but yours.”

Jesus is at a crossroads. Will He complete the plan laid out for Him or will He reject it? Rejection would have allowed Satan to continue his hold on the world. Rejection would have kept us in the chains of darkness. As Jesus wrestles, and then submits to the Father’s will, we are told He is not alone. An angel appears to strengthen Him. Following the path God had for Him would require strength and His Father sends help in the form of a heavenly being.

Angels appeared to Jesus another time when He was being tempted in the wilderness by Satan. We are told after He resisted Satan, angels came and served Him. In the dark moment of extreme temptation after Jesus was able to resist, God sent Him help.

“Lord, I don’t want to do this.”  “This is too hard.”  “I cannot do what you are asking.”  “Take this cup away from me.”

I’ve spoken these words. There have been situations that the Lord has allowed that I didn’t want to go through.  And yet, I knew that I needed to walk that road. And each time I’ve surrendered to God’s will, He has been with me in that decision. He has given me strength, and I’ve come through it with deeper faith.

God is with us in our moments of greatest temptation and weakness. He gives us strength to resist temptation and to go through the trial. He ministers to our soul. When we are in the throes of a spiritual battle, He is there with us.

What hard thing is in your cup today? God will give you strength and God will minister to you as you submit to His will. 

Prayer Activities:

• Spend a few minutes in silent prayer, asking God to reveal areas in your life where you need to surrender. Listen quietly and write down any thoughts or feelings that come to you.

• Recall a time when God gave you strength during a difficult situation. Write about how God ministered to you and how that experience deepened your faith.