When Jesus and the disciples had left the place where they ate the Passover meal, they walked to a place called Gethsemane where there was a garden they often spent time at. On arrival, Jesus told His disciples to sit while He went to a place nearby to pray to His Father. He took with Him Peter, James, and John to be near Him when He was praying. He became very sorrowful and distressed. He told His three closest disciples to stay with Him as He prayed and to watch with Him. He said, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” (Matt. 26:38)
Whenever we have times of great trials in our life, we want to have those we are closest with to be with us to help us through the trial. Jesus had chosen and mentored His disciples. This was a time they could help Him as He had so often helped them. However, the disciples were tired and could not keep from sleeping so were no help to our Lord.
Jesus was in such great distress at this moment that Scripture records that He went a little further and fell on His face and prayed asking His Father to remove this cup from Him if possible. However, He said, “…not as I will, but as You will.” (Matt. 26:39)
What was the cup that Jesus was asking to be removed? Several things come to mind. Jesus knew exactly what He was facing. He knew He would be falsely condemned as a blasphemer by the Jewish authorities and be executed by flogging and crucifixion by the Romans. It was perhaps one of the most painful ways to be killed. Perhaps even more horrible was the thought that He, the sinless Son of God, would become sin as He took upon His flesh the sins of all those who would believe on Him. (John 3:16) The Father’s wrath against sin would be executed upon Jesus, and the Father would briefly turn away from His Son as He would not want to look upon sin. What agonizing thoughts our Lord and Savior was dealing with.
Christians will be forever indebted to Jesus for His dying for us. Our sins were nailed to that cross He died on. He paid our sin debt so that we would not have to suffer for our sins in the lake of fire enduring eternal punishment. However, the Bible records that those who do not come to faith in Jesus Christ will reap the wrath of God and eternal damnation.
36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)
Jesus taught us here to always pray to our Father in heaven when we face trials. However, He also taught us that ultimately it is God’s will that is important, not our own will. We should pray like Jesus did when He said. “... nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” (Matt. 26:39) This shows our subjection to the will of God. It shows our rightful place with God and is the proper way to end our prayers and worship of Him.