KJV - Luke 22:39-42 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. (40) And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. (41) And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, (42) Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
NIV - Luke 22:39-42 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. (40) On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”(41) He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, (42) “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
These may be the most important 5 words in all of the Bible. These 5 words, in many ways, separate the saved from the unsaved. These 5 words reveal a very basic, yet critically important truth: Who is in control? Are you in control of your life or have you relinquished control so that God is in complete control?
The real problem with this concept is that most people have been fooled into thinking that because they are religious, because they believe in God, then there is nothing else to worry about. The fact is, that you can believe in God or you can be extremely religious and still be ruling and controlling your own life. If that is the case, they your belief is in vain.
In our text today, Jesus has left the upper room where he instituted the Lord’s Supper and now is in the Garden of Gethsemene where he is praying. He is only a few minutes from being arrested and tried and only a few hours from his execution. What’s worse is that he knows what’s coming and that is the focus of his prayers in the Garden. This experience is going to be excruciating both physically, emotionally and spiritually. The human side of him is dreading what is to come and that is noticeable in his prayer. In verse 42 he essentially asks God if there is any other way for their goals to be met without him having to endure this treachery because he wanted out. However, he concludes this thought by saying:
KJV - Luke 22:42 ...nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
As much as Jesus dreaded what was to come...as much as he wished there was another way..ultimately Jesus was willing to put aside his own desires to do what GOD WANTS.
The ultimate question is: Can we then disregard the Will of God to do what we want and still be pleasing to Him? The answer is a simple NO! The statement that Jesus made is very much a theme of how we are expected to live as well!
Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Does Jesus’ statement reflect your will? Or do you expect God to put on rose-colored glasses and over look your rebellion?
May we all search the Bible diligently to understand God’s will and then be willing to put aside our own to follow it!
Reflecting His SON,
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY 40160
Questions, comments or further explanation? Contact me at: dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.
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