Drink From The Cup

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: John 18:10-11  (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

10 Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. 11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?” (John 18:10-11 NLT)

True to his impulsive nature, Peter drew a sword and attacked the nearest person. Peter’s swordsmanship seems to have left something to be desired, and Jesus told him to put the sword away. There probably wasn’t much cheer at the time, but I think Jesus had a hint of a smile on his face as he spoke to Peter. Matthew gives us more detail about this incident in Matthew 26:51-54 and in Luke 22:51 we find that Jesus healed the man’s ear with a touch.

Jesus was willing to drink the cup of suffering his Father had given him. Jesus was not a victim of a plot to kill him, Jesus was a willing sacrifice for sin. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all tell of the struggle Jesus endured that night over the bitter cup of suffering. Here’s how Mark tells it: “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mark 14:36 NLT)

10 But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s good plan will prosper in his hands. 11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT)

The Cup of Suffering: Sometimes the cup of the will of God is a cup of blessing and sometimes it’s a cup of sacrifice and suffering. We gladly receive and drink deeply of the cup of blessing, but we must be willing to drink as deeply, if not as gladly, of the cup of suffering for the sake of God’s eternal and redemptive purpose!

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for your love for us! Jesus, Thank you for willingly drinking the cup of suffering for our sin. Please grant also to us grace to drink willingly and deeply from the cup of the Father’s will. For the Kingdom’s Sake! Amen.