Mark 14:36

Mark 14:36 – “Abba, Father,” He said, “Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

        As Jesus drew closer to the hour of His sacrifice it began to weigh heavy on Him. We see here that Jesus did not want to die. He was getting ready to go through excruciating pain, torment and ultimately be separated from God. There is nothing on this earth that could be worse.

        In Jesus prayer we can see His submission to God. He says, “Not what I will but what you will.” Jesus was not ready, but He knew the time had come. Later we see it said of Him that, “for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame.”

        So in order to fulfill God’s will in His life we see two things at work. First we see submission. Jesus put aside His own desires to obey what God had told Him to do. Next we see Him looking beyond the situation to the fruit that would come because of His obedience.

        As we learn from watching Jesus, we can apply these two things in our lives as well. Jesus told us we will face hard times, but we can make it through. When Jesus faced the darkest time in His life He first submitted to God. Then He looked past the trouble to the joy that waited for Him on the other side.

        When we face hard times we must follow Jesus example. First, submit to God and all that He has for you. Then, when you are facing trials, look past them to the joy on the other side. Because of Christ we have the joy of eternal life with God to look to.

Mark 15:31-32

Mark 15:31-32 - In the same way the chief priests and teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves, “ He saved others,” they said, “but He can’t save Himself! Let this Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him. The ultimate act of humility. In Philippians Paul writes it like this, “Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.” This had to be hard for Jesus. They mocked Him thinking He couldn't come down off the cross, but He knew that He could. All it would take is one Word from Him and they would all be proved wrong in their accusations. Jesus could have come off the cross, but He didn't. He could prove everyone that was there wrong, but that was not the victory He was looking for. Jesus victory was in letting Himself be beaten and bruised, insulted and ridiculed, and not standing up for Himself. His purpose was to go to His death. This would be really hard. It’s hard enough when people mock you or hit you, and you can’t do anything about it. When someone hurls an insult at me it is instinct to throw something back, something “witty” to make myself look like the “better” man. But Jesus said nothing. If someone tries to hit me, I will try and defend myself. But Jesus did not. Jesus let it all happen, and not for some great victory He could claim for Himself. It was all for a great victory He could claim for you. He endured the cross. Took all the insults and beating. He did this all for you and me. Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, committed the biggest act of humility, so that He could be with us for eternity.