The Cup Which The Father Has Given Me
Scripture Passage: John 18:1-11 (NASB)
When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, in which He entered with His disciples. 2 Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place, for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. 3 Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. 6 So when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Therefore He again asked them, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 to fulfill the word which He spoke, “Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one.” 10 Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”
SUMMARY
Jesus and His disciples came to the ravine of the Kidron, the place that Jesus would be captured by Roman officers. When Judas Iscariot showed up with the officers, Jesus confirmed that it was He whom they were looking for. Simon Peter drew a sword and struck the right ear of Malchus, one of the high priest’s slaves when they tried to capture Jesus. Jesus commanded Peter to put the sword away and assured that He must drink the cup which the Father has given Him.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Verse 4 tells us that Jesus knew all the things that were coming upon Him. He knew that Judas was going to betray Him and was aware of suffering and death that He must face on the cross. Because He knew that was the perfect will of God for Him, He did not take any action to resist and showed complete obedience to the Father. In contrast, Simon Peter reacted to the situation immediately by drawing a sword and cutting off the servant’s ear. Although Peter spent much time with Jesus and heard His teachings, he did not fully understand the Father’s plan for Jesus. Without knowing the Father’s plan for Jesus, he reacted to the situation based on his emotion and tried to protect Jesus in his own way. It may seem like his actions were justified by his reasoning, however, they were hindering to the will of God, and Jesus rebuked Peter’s behavior and assured him that He must carry out God’s will for Himself.
APPLICATION
How often do I act like Peter in situations that I cannot accept or understand? I must admit that I am quick to judge and act based on my emotions and reasons just like Peter did. My reaction and plans for a given situation may seem reasonable to human eyes, however, it may not be pleasing to the Lord. I must remind myself that God knows what is best for me and trust in His perfect plan for my life. Sometimes, it is not easy to believe when difficult situations arise. Rather than relying on my plans and reasons, I need to spend time in prayer seeking His will and asking Him to help me submit to His will in any given situation.
PRAYER
Lord, I confess that I am quick to judge and act based on my feelings and reasoning. I pray that You will help me to seek Your will first rather than reacting based on my emotions when situations arise. Help me not to lean on my reasoning and understanding but place my trust in You even though I may not understand. I pray that You will help me to know and submit to the will of the Father for my life so that I will live a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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