FOR OUR SAKE

[theja]

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42).

(See also Mt. 26:36-46; Mk 14: 32-42, for the same prayer in slightly different expressions.)

This prayer has been a bit of a puzzle even to believers, and a point of contention for critics and skeptics.

(I intend to explain here the reason why Jesus employed the tentative "if" in this prayer. I may go off and on the internet, so be patient. Example, its dinner time and the folks are pulling me away now to join the table)


As listed above, the three synoptic Gospels recorded this prayer. Only John give greater detail of what Jesus prayed that evening in Gethsemane. See the prayer of Jesus in John 17. Here Jesus reaffirmed His oneness with the Father in position and glory (1-5), prayed for the present disciples for their protection and mission (6-19), and for future believers (like us today) who will come to embrace His love (20-26).

Jesus came into the world to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrificial lamb (John 1:29) for the world. He was determined to go through the cross and nothing could deter Him from it (Mt. 16:21-23). He discussed this mission on several occasion, predicting His death and resurrection (Mt. 17:22-23; Mk 9:30-32; Lk 9: 43-45). What an astounding revelation: that Jesus will subject Himself to arrest and execution, but WILL RISE AGAIN FROM THE DEATH!

Deliberately and willingly, Jesus laid down His life for others (Jn. 10:18). The supreme act of love (Jn. 15:13). For this reason, Jesus refrained from calling on His angel to smite the people and rescue Him (compare 2 Chronicles 32:21 and John 18:36).

While going through the prayer and the ordeal of trial and crucifixion, Jesus did three significant things:

1. Not once did Jesus ask the disciples to 'pray for Him'. He admonished them to pray for themselves, so they may not fall into temptation, or so they may not fail the test of trials in their life. To this end Jesus also prayed "for them" (John 17:6-19).

2. As the women mourned and wailed for Him, instead of anger and feeling sorry for Himself, Jesus showed compassion and concern for the people as difficult times looms ahead for them (Lk. 23:26-31).

3. Being perfect and sinless, Jesus never had to ask forgiveness for Himself; rather, He asked the Father to forgive His tormentors and the sinful world (Lk. 23:24).

Everything done for our sake. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, and forgiveness is available when we come to God through Christ (Romans 5:8; Hebrews 1:3). God's pardon is available to the world, but it must be appropriated individually and conscientiously. A matter of decision for each individual.

[Edited by theja on 5th January 2004 at 08:28]

[theja]

From the above, we can see that Jesus did everything for our sake. Now let's see the prayer in Luke 22:42 in that context.

(Only Luke 22:43 mention the appearance of an angel to strengthen Jesus. I think it was not to encourage Jesus in His resolve, but to add physical strength for the torture Jesus would go through).

I repeat, Jesus did everything for our sake. In John 11 the disciples had difficulty understanding Jesus when He hinted of the death of Lazarus as a temporary sleep. So Jesus had to speak PLAINLY: "Lazarus is death, and FOR YOUR SAKE I'm glad I was not there... " (vs. 14,15).

The same misunderstanding on the part of Mary and Martha (vs. 21-32).

So Jesus made sure Lazarus was clinically and mortally death and stinking. Then Jesus raised Lazarus! (vs. 38-44).

CLEAR MESSAGE: Jesus has power over death!

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life" (vs. 25).


The prayer in Luke 22:42 appear as though Jesus was wavering in His resolve to die on the cross. NOT SO. Jesus was not seeking an alternative to His death by this prayer. This prayer was uttered for our sake. (RECORDED FOR OUR SAKE). To show us to main things:

1. To show us that there is no other way for our salvation. If Jesus did not go through the cross, we would be left with a religion unacceptable to God. All mankind have sinned (Romans 3:23). The only option left for us is to become absolutely holy and perfect on our own, or face the penalty of sin: death.

Since none of us can reach that level of perfection and sinlessness, Jesus Christ THE PERFECT AND SINLESS man took our penalty on Himself and died on the cross.

The price for sin is paid (Romans 6:23). In Christ, now we can receive eternal life (John 17:2, the prayer in Gethsemane).

2. "If". If there is another way. The prayer in Luke 22:42 revealed that there is no other way. Jesus prayed that prayer to show us that God's perfect will is for Him to die on the cross on our behalf.

It goes to show that Jesus was in God's perfect will. "Thy will be done as it is in heaven" (Mt. 6:10; Psalm 119:89; Revelation 13:8).

[Edited by theja on 5th January 2004 at 09:02]

[CastleStormer]

Great post Theja!

You hit on something that has bothered me from the day I was saved: Why me? When I think about the nails he took, his beard getting plucked out, being spit on, despised, rejected, having his back opened up by the whip, and hanging on a cross...and then thinking about him having done all that for a sinning puke like me, it just brings tears to my eyes.

There is absolutely nothing about me that has any value at all to such a great king like Jesus. But somehow in his infinite love and mercy, he has decided to let his sacrifice apply to me. And that is what "grace" is all about. I was his enemy, and he made me his friend through his loving compassion.

What can I say? There is NOTHING I can say. All I can do is drop to my knees and say "thank you".

[ANDY-J1]

Originally posted by theja

2. "If". If there is another way. The prayer in Luke 22:42 revealed that there is no other way. Jesus prayed that prayer to show us that God's perfect will is for Him to die on the cross on our behalf.

It goes to show that Jesus was in God's perfect will. "Thy will be done as it is in heaven" (Mt. 6:10; Psalm 119:89; Revelation 13:8).

[Edited by theja on 5th January 2004 at 09:02]

And do you never question the moral implications of this?Vicarious atonemnent is one of the doctrines of Christianity which calls into question the idea of a loving and compassionate God.Jesus had no free will and no choice in the matter-he was destined to suffer an agonising death because God decreed it must be so.A God that condemns his son to death by crucifixion seems more like a vengeful tyrant than an all loving deity.The idea that Jesus was a divine saviour or that his sacrifice could atone for the sins of humanity is pure fantasy-he was an enlightened spiritual teacher and guide whose message was that all people regardless of colour or creed belong to the brotherhood of man.Jesus was the example that mankind must follow in order to attain enlightenment-he was however a mere mortal like the rest of us and not a God.

[theja]

Andy, the failure of Adam and Eve brought sin and its penalty of death into the world. No mere human in the universe at all times can undo this damage. So Jesus came and did it for us: lived a sinless life and conquered death.

FREE WILL: Jesus went to the cross of His own accord (John 10:18).

You may have an opinion, but you cannot contradict what Jesus said in John 10:18.

Get it?

Plus, Jesus came from heaven. It was in heaven that the decision to come to earth was first conceived. And of His free will, Jesus came into the world: "... a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2:32).

[CastleStormer]

Andy, you know where I'm coming from: Don't want to believe...DON'T! Want to believe that God is an evil tyrant...go ahead. Want to believe that Buddha will get you to your nirvana...be my guest.

The thing that I absolutely love about Christianity is the promise of a future with the people who absolutely LOVE Jesus. No whiners who got their arm twisted to believe will make it. Only those who are absolutely, completely sold out to the magnificence of the Almighty God, and desire to worship Jesus with all their being will be there. This is just boot camp for eternity.

God is awesome in love! And Jesus rocks!



PS: You'll meet Jesus face to face some day Andy. I hope you have your speech ready. Maybe Siddhartha will be behind you going "Oh crap! This stuff is for real."

[theja]

Castle, amen and amen to both your posts.

Jesus came and levelled the playing field for all mankind (Galatians 3:26-29). At the foot of the cross everyone is equal: flat before God. That is why many so-called high and mighty find it difficult to accept such a proposition.

Finally I visited and spent a weekend in Las Vegas after hearing about it's glamor for quite a while. In a special section of the hotel where I stayed, there is a VIP door always guarded by an attendant or two. Someone passed by and I saw inside of the door that says something like this: for the high and mighty. Such folks are escorted straight away to their luxury rooms with every whims attached. For celebrities, stars, CEOs, drug Lords, etc!

In the highway of God, no such special entrance exist. That is why many miss the road (Matthew 7:13-15). God loves all these people as individuals. But their celebrity status and riches means nothing to Him.

As Christians we can admire the beauty, talents and achievements of highly visible people. But we should never be swayed by their subtle philosophies or at times flagrant arrogance. All of them will tremble when they meet their maker someday. No escape!

Remember 1 Corinthians 1:26-30. Still the same today.

[Edited by theja on 6th January 2004 at 19:52]