(3) We see JESUS IN SUBMISSION

The first time Jesus said, “…Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (v.39). Then He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” (v.42).

“He knows what it’s like to beg God to change His mind and to hear God say so gently, but firmly, “No.” For that is what God says to Jesus. And Jesus ACCEPTS the answer.”

This is a classic example of submission – doing the will of God, not your own.

In Luke’s account, it says “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” (Luke 22:43). Isn’t that beautiful? He obeys the Father… to do what the Father says, and the Father provides what he needs most – strength! What Jesus needed, He received graciously from the Father. Today, you can experience the same. When you do His will, God will give you the strength needed to complete it. “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”

After the time of prayer, what did Jesus do?

Matt 26:45-46

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

These are words of determination. He is now very sure. He is going to face the cross and walk towards it.

What happened next? Judas came straight to Jesus, and gave Him the kiss… The officers grabbed Jesus and arrested Him. One of the men with Jesus pulled out a sword and slashed off the ear of the high priest’s servant. “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matt 26:53-54)

“I can call for legions of angels to come… but if I do that, how can the Scriptures be fulfilled; how can the Father’s will be done?” These are words of submission.

Jesus was not some poor, helpless victim, caught up in circumstances beyond his control. Jesus freely, willingly, deliberately took the journey to the cross. He was not forced into it by His Father, and of course, not by Jewish leaders or the Roman government.

Jesus said in John 10:17-18 “… I lay down my life… No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again…”

Heb 5:8 “Although He was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered…”

“The battle is won. You may have thought it was won on Golgotha. It wasn’t. You may have thought the sign of victory is the empty tomb. It isn’t. The final battle was won in Gethsemane. And the sign of conquest is Jesus at peace in the olive trees. For it was in the garden that he made his decision… He would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you.”

CONCLUSION:

Jesus went through a great sorrow, a great struggle but triumphed through total submission to the Father… all because of YOU. We can respond in these ways today:

(1) Understand that your life has been bought with a very high price, treasure it. Offer it to God and serve Him with all you’ve got. Consider what you can do FOR Him today.

(2) Jesus set us a very good example – watch and pray. You want to stay strong and live a victorious life? PRAY. The Lord will come to you and strengthens you.

(3) For some, you need to accept Jesus as your Savior. Look closely at the life of Jesus and all that He has said, and you’d realize that He came only for one purpose – to seek you, and save you. How? By dying on your behalf, to pay the penalty for our sin (rebellion against God). Believe Jesus today and you’ll be reconciled with God and receive a new life.

Prayer:

1. Jesus as you today marked your resurrection, please let all that is dead in every area of my life be resurrected today in Jesus.
2. Father from today let my life begin to show forth thy glory and praise in Jesus name.

Jesus is Risen

May the power of His resurrection be made manifested in every area of your life in Jesus name.