Matthew 26:42-46
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today’s passage is the second part of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ agony in the olive grove called Gethsemane. If you haven’t already, read Matthew 26:36-41 and then read today’s passage, Matthew 26:42-46.
Among the prophecies of Isaiah, one stands out that can help us begin to grasp what it means for Jesus to “drink the cup.” In Isaiah 51, God pleads with the people of Israel to recognize their rebellion and turn back to God. The prophecy speaks of the “cup” of God’s fury, and at first glance many people have formed ideas about an angry and vengeful God from passages like this. But if we look closely, we can see that God is not peeved or petulant about being rejected; God’s fury is directed toward the distortion of shalom.
God longs for Israel to experience all that life in God’s Kingdom can be and is furious that they are instead headed for destruction. There is no greater tragedy than people, created in God’s image, being distorted and destroyed by evil.
Toward the end of Isaiah 51, God makes a promise: “See, I have taken the terrible cup from your hands. You will drink no more of my fury” (Isaiah 51:22). And it is this promise that Jesus is about to fulfill. God will take the cup from people who have become hopelessly lost, and Jesus, who is God in the flesh, will drink it instead. Jesus will take upon himself the consequences of all the rebellion of humanity for all time.
Take some time to contemplate the mercy and grace of God towards you. Through Jesus, God has given you a clean slate and has emptied evil of its power to enslave you. You are free to receive the love of God with no barriers or strings attached. What do you want to say to Jesus right now?
Read Matthew 26:42-46 again noting the grace Jesus offers Peter, James, and John as he leaves the olive grove to accept the cup that awaits him.
For the remainder of your time in meditation today, peruse Isaiah 51 looking for the heart of God in the words of the prophecy. Then ask Jesus to speak to you while you get still and listen.
What might Jesus be prompting you to do today?
How will you respond to him?
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