Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39
So I really wanted to post a blog about the movie Kung Fu Panda. But that will have to wait for next week. Trust me, it’ll be worth it. Today’s blog takes a more somber tone. As I’ve mentioned, Julia and I read the Bible with the boys every night and we read Matthew 27; the first telling of the crucifixion of Jesus. Every time I read these passages, it is always an emotional roller coaster for me. Trying to put yourself in the shoes of Jesus, his disciples, Judas, Peter, Pilate, Mary, and even the Pharisees. We see so much of ourselves in how everyone deals with the trials before them leading up to Christ’s death. What always gets me is the thought of those who willingly choose to refuse His love and forgiveness. To give up so much for everyone and to still have those who say, “Jesus isn’t for me,” is equally frustrating and heart breaking.
So the question is, “Why?” Why do so many people reject that Jesus laid down His life for them? Why would people be so against someone who offers hope and freedom? Jesus says in Matthew 11, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” With all the world tries to do to beat us down, why would we not be willing to cast off the cares of the world to take up the easy burden of following Christ? And this isn’t just a question for the unsaved. All of us at one point have said, “I just don’t know if I can let go of this.” Mark 10 tells of the rich man whom Jesus said sell all you have and come follow me and the man couldn’t do it. What riches are you holding onto that are more important than the call of God on your life?
I’m not trying to belittle anyone with this question because the fact is Jesus understood this struggle better than any of us ever could. When Jesus is at Gethsemane in Matthew 26, He goes back to pray to God and asks “let this cup pass from me” 3 times. Jesus, the Son of God, Savior of All, goes back 3 TIMES and says “God I really don’t want to do this.” What was Jesus so afraid to give up? His life? Was it the fear of the beatings and mockery and betrayal? No. What Jesus didn’t want to give up was His connection to the Father. When sin is present in our lives, it separates us from God. Jesus knew that by taking the sins of mankind, He would be separated from God and He simply could not bear the thought of that. This is evident when He cries out from the cross “Why have you forsaken me?” This is where I break down. Because it’s here you fully realize just what Jesus has given up. Not just His body or Godhood, but His loving relationship with the Father.
Losing my dad at 16 is still one of the toughest experiences I’ve faced in my life. And that pain of loss, that fear of the unknown that overtakes you can be soul crushing. And yet here is Jesus. Knowing exactly what the cost of salvation was, He willingly let go of His connection with God so that we might be saved through Him. I don’t know what you are facing in your life right now, but Jesus does. I don’t know what struggle is keeping you from fulfilling God’s plan for your life, but Jesus does. Jesus is here to let you know you can do it. He understands your struggle and you may need to get down on your face 3 or 300 times to pray and ask God for help. But you can do it when you are willing to say “Not my will, but your will be done.” When it was all said and done, Jesus overcame sin, death and the grave. When we can let go of our burdens to follow Him, He will help us to do the same.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to watch Kung Fu Panda again for next week’s blog. Love that movie.
