Dear Ones:
It seems to me that there were two critical factors which could have stopped Jesus from going to the cross. The first pales with respect to the second. When Jesus spoke openly of his coming crucifixion and death, it was an individual from his inner circle who declared: “Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee.” (Matt. 16:22) The Lord’s answer: “Get thee behind me Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (v.23) There is no doubt that there was sincere love and concern coming from the heart of Peter. And there is no doubt that the Lord Jesus loved His disciples, as He declared. But in a moment of weakness, a moment when the enemy would take advantage of the faults of those closest to the Lord Jesus, there was the quiet appeal to Him to “save Himself.” This He would not do, as He was “born crucified.” He would not be turned aside.
The second, and most certainly the most significant factor which could have deterred Jesus from going to the cross, occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was there, in his absolute loneliness (apart from the presence of His Father), that the “cost” had to be embraced. Scientists tell us that when one “sweats drops of blood,” it is indicative of intense internal turmoil and anguish. And such was the experience of Christ, whose holy nature, and physical state, recoiled at the cup He was called to drink. Mrs. Cousin once wrote in a hymn: “Death and the curse were in our cup, O Christ, ’twas full for Thee! But Thou hast drained the last dark drop, ‘Tis empty now for me. That bitter cup, LOVE drank it up, now blessings’ draught for me.”
It was written of the Lord Jesus that He set His face to go up to Jerusalem. His resoluteness was such that his disciples even feared him. How is it that He was so focused, so acutely sensitive to the temptations of the enemy, and strong enough to overcome in Gethsemane, endure the cross, overcoming all the abuse, and resistance? I see but one answer…He loved His Father above all else, and upon the Love of His Father, He depended without reserve.
Love made Him sensitive to that which was contrary to His Father’s will and purpose. Love made Him not leave the field of battle in Gethsemane, for the Father’s sake. Love for the Father would enable Him to overcome His enemies by declaring, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And lastly, Love would entrust His all to the Father by saying, “Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit.”
Indeed, death and the curse were in our cup…that bitter cup…LOVE drank it up…for the Father’s glory first, and then for our blessing. Let us trust God for the same love, so that we too shall be unstoppable in our pursuit of His pleasure and glory.
Love, Dad