Jesus instructed his disciples to pray so they would not fall into temptation. Then Jesus prayed with a similar concept. Jesus referred to his soon-to-happen suffering as a cup to be drunk, meaning the lot that was assigned to him by his Father in heaven. Jesus was assigned to drink the cup of judgment and punishment for the sins of the world. Psalm 102 has been linked with Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane.
If I knew that what Jesus experienced was about to happen to me, I too would be in great anguish of soul. If I knew it was God’s will for me, would I respond like Jesus? Would I say, “Not my will, but yours be done?”
Jesus told his disciples that they were required to carry a cross too (Luke 14:27). I do not know the specifics of the cross that still awaits me. But I do know of what has transpired already. I am to know now that I too have suffering to bear for Christ and the church so that I am prepared for tomorrow’s cross.
Hebrews 12:2-6 states, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
