BEFORE THE CRUCIFIXION (Not my will, but yours be done)
Luke 22:31-71
Key Verse: 22:42
“…saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’”
In the first part of Luke 22, Jesus had to brace himself for the religious leaders’ plot to kill him (1,2). At his last supper with his beloved disciples, he shared his bread with one who would later betray him—Judas (3-6). Through the breaking of bread and the drinking of the cup , we learn Jesus broke his body and poured out his blood for each of us. During the meal, his disciples were oblivious of the deep agony in Jesus' heart. Instead, they were in their own fantasy world imagining their own greatness (24-30). Let’s continue to examine what Jesus experienced before his crucifixion. In this latter half of Luke 22, Jesus said, “…not my will, but yours, be done.’” In prayer, Jesus submitted himself fully to the will of God. We often think of God’s will somewhat poetically and romantically. We think of God’s will as God giving us love, joy and peace, which He surely does out of His mercy & grace. We expect God's will to grant us a cutie soul mate and personal success. But what about God’s will for Jesus? Let’s study what God’s will for Jesus was right before his agonizing crucifixion.
First, Jesus prayed for Simon Peter, his top disciple (31-34). Usually, a great man is supported by many great men, like King David’s thirty mighty men who were willing to give their lives. 2 Samuel 23: 13-17 tells a beautiful story of loyalty. Once King David longed to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which was occupied by the enemy. When three of his mighty men learned of his longing, they broke enemy lines to get a cup of water for him from the well of Bethlehem. But Jesus, the King of kings, would not have the support of any of his hand-picked chosen disciples, not even one. Judas already went forth to betray him for money. Now even his top disciple Peter would soon deny knowing him in just a few hours. But how did Jesus face this as a leader who was about to be denied by his top man? Let us read verses 31,32. “31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Most leaders would dismiss or put to death those men who are disloyal. But instead, Jesus prayed for Simon (Peter’s pre-Christian name), instead of getting rid of him. Jesus’ prayer shows that Jesus’ battle was not against Peter’s disloyalty, but against Satan. Jesus knew that Satan wanted to destroy Peter through his own fear for his own life and self reliance.
When Jesus prayed for Peter to withstand the devil’s crushing blow, he was also praying for each of us. Jesus is our intercessor against the devil's schemes. Romans 8:34 says, “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Despite Jesus’ tender loving prayer, Peter said self-confidently that he was ready to die with Jesus (33). Then “Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.’” (34). Despite Peter’s shameful failure, Jesus loved him and prayed for him to the end. The devil knows how to sift each one of us. He knows all our weakness. He knows how to break us. We cannot overcome the devil's crushing blows by our own strength. Praise Jesus who intercedes for us through the Holy Spirit to overcome the devil's schemes.
Second, Jesus fulfilled the Scripture concerning his death (35-38). Look at 35-37. Earlier, Jesus sent them out with no moneybag (9:3,10:4) to teach them to depend on God, not money. But now Jesus says in verse 36 to get a moneybag and even a sword. It’s obvious Jesus is not now reversing his teaching to depend on God. We also know that Jesus is not an advocate of violence, yet he says to buy a sword (36). Jesus’ point is that the disciples should prepare their hearts and minds for the days ahead will test their faith. They have to be ready to fight the spiritual battle.
Let us read verse 37, "For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: “And he was numbered with the transgressors.” For what is written about me has its fulfillment.’” Jesus quoted Isaiah 53:12b, “he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.” Transgressors are those who are violate the law. No one likes to be associated with transgressors such as gang members, prostitutes or drug dealers. We try to keep away from unsavory people who may smear our good name. Yet Jesus “was numbered with the transgressors.” This means Jesus willingly choose to be identified with the worst kinds of people. Jesus was the most obedient man who ever lived. Yet he chose to identify himself with the most disobedient people including each of us. Why? It was to save us from our sins of disobedience, which leads to death. Jesus wasn’t killed as an innocent victim, who had no choice. But Jesus chose to fulfill Scripture, which predicted his humiliation and death for transgressors. How did the disciples respond? They responded oddly by showing Jesus’ two swords saying, “Look, Lord, here are two swords” (38). Jesus was sorry that his disciples were so spiritually blind and so slow to learn. Yet was not discouraged, Jesus decided fulfill Scripture and be numbered with the transgressors and bear the sins of many.
Third, Jesus’ blood shedding prayer (39-46). Read verse 39. “And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.” The phrase, “as was his custom” suggests it was his daily routine. Jesus went often to the Mount of Olives, also known as Gethsemane, in order to be alone with God and to spend quiet time in prayer. Today, people shun silence and solitude. It is customary for people to listen to their iPods, talking and texting on their phones. But Jesus’ regular “custom” was silence and solitude with God in prayer. When Jesus came to the place, he said to his disciples, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation” (40). Jesus needed his disciples support, but instead they fell asleep and snored loudly. Jesus knew that though the disciples were willing to follow him, they can’t by their own strength and will power. Why not? It’s because “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt 26:41). We understand this all too well. We don’t want to raise our voice, but we do. We want to be patient, but our tone of voice and our body language is full of impatience. We also want to pray, but we watch movies, browse the internet or fall asleep. Jesus is always like a tender mother toward his disciples. He expressed this when he said twice, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation” (45,46).
Verses 41-44 shows an aspect of Jesus we have not seen before. Let us read verses 41-44. “And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’ 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Jesus was in such “an agony,” that he had to pray “more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” We don’t associate praying with sweating and definitely not with sweating blood. But Jesus’ prayer was so intense and agonizing that “his sweat became like great drops of blood.” Some scholars say Jesus experienced Hematidrosis, a very rare condition in which a human being sweats blood. It may occur when a person is suffering extreme levels of stress such as facing death. Jesus was the happiest man who ever lived. But in Gethsemane he said, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death.” Why is this?
Verse 42, our key verse, suggests the answer. Jesus’ agonizing blood shedding prayer is because of his plea, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.” What is “this cup”? We generally understand “this cup” to mean the cup of death, which it is. But more specifically, in view of numerous verses in the Old Testament, the “cup” is a metaphor for the severe wrath of God, which God would pour out on sinners in His holy anger & righteous judgment (Isa 51:17-23; Jer 25:15-18,28; etc). The prophet Nehemiah was a cupbearer before king Artaxerxes. His job was to taste whether or not the cup was poisoned. In the same way, Jesus became our cupbearer. This cup of death was meant for us but Jesus decided to drink this cup instead. The thought of this cup overwhelmed his soul. Thus, Jesus prayed to have “this (unbearable) cup” removed, if it were possible. But Jesus knew that it wasn’t his Father’s will. If Jesus wanted to save us, then he had to taste the full cup of God’s full anger and wrath for sinners.
Jesus said, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (42b). As we learn from Pastor Tim's message last week, sin is serious and demands life blood. Therefore, God's will for Jesus was to absorb his wrath upon himself and bear the curse for all sinners. The movie, “The Passion of the Christ” showed an eight minute flogging scene how Jesus absorbed God's wrath. During this scene, I had to turn away because it was too brutal to watch. That gruesome torture and torment was meant for us, but Jesus took our place. The wrath that we deserved was placed on Jesus. If Jesus refused to face God’s wrath on the cross for our sins, then we would have to face it ourselves in this life and through out eternity. Isaiah 53:5 profoundly states God's will for Jesus, “But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.”
Fourth, Jesus was betrayed and denied by two of his close disciples (47-62). After prayer, Judas came with a crowd to betray Jesus with a kiss (47,48). In the Bible, kiss is a sign of affection and worship. But this was a kiss of betrayal. Betrayal may be the most painful human emotion to experience. It is most painful because it committed by one you trusted and loved. Julius Caesar was betrayed and killed by his close friend Brutus. His last words were immortalized by Shakespeare, who wrote “Et tu Brute?” which means “You too Brutus?” “How could you do this to me, my friend, who I loved and trusted?” Even though Jesus was betrayed by Judas, Jesus did not point his finger at him and say "You betrayer, get out of my face!" Rather, Jesus appealed to his conscience by saying "Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" Even in heart-breaking betrayal Jesus showed his unconditional love towards Judas.
When the disciples saw that Jesus was betrayed and about to be arrested, they became violent and cut off the ear of a servant. Again the disciples showed lack of understand of God's will for Jesus. Jesus allowed himself to be arrested. Through his intense prayer, he was strengthen to obey the will of his loving Father (52,53).
Verses 54-60 is a painful account of another disciple Peter. He denied knowing his Lord and Master not once but three times (31-34). Why did Peter fail so miserably as a disciple of Christ? Primarily, Peter failed because he depended on himself to follow Jesus. He was so confident in his own goodness, and his own will power, his own sincere efforts, and human loyalty to be faithful to Christ. There are many people who love Jesus, and who want to be faithful to Jesus just like Peter. A young man wanted to do something good for Jesus. But almost every time he tried to do good for Christ, he failed in some way. Soon he became frustrated and depressed. Here we learn that no Christian can be faithful to God on his own initiative without God’s help. If you depend on yourself you will certainly fail like Peter! We desperately need God’s mercy in every aspect of our Christian life, especially in serving God. At this point, Peter still didn’t know this. Thus, he failed miserably by vehemently denying ever knowing his Lord and Master Jesus whom he loved.
How did Jesus respond to Peter’s denial, which is really also a betrayal? Let us read verses 61 & 62. “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.’ 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.” Sometimes when we see a person we don't like we give them the evil eye. The look of Jesus is not one of disgust or disappointment, but one of deep love, one of affection and forgiveness. Jesus’ look was so powerful that it penetrated Peter's heart. Jesus look meant to say: “I know you denied me. But I still love you and my love for you has not changed.” When Peter realized the unchanging love of Jesus for him, “he went out and wept bitterly” (62). The great preacher C.H. Spurgeon said Peter's tears were the beginning of his restoration as a true disciple. He was longer motivated by his good intentions as a disciple, but by the unchanging love of Christ. How many of you have cried bitterly remembering Jesus' love? I pray tears of joy may well up in your hearts as you remember Jesus unchanging love for you.
Fifth, Jesus faced mocking and humiliation (63-71). Let us read verses 63-65. “63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.” No one likes to be mocked, beaten and insulted even if they deserve it. Our pathetic ex-governor is trying portray himself as a "victim" of a corrupt political system and justifying his wrongdoings on many talk shows. But Jesus willingly and voluntarily took up all our sins upon himself.
In verses 66-71, Jesus was brought before the assembly of religious leaders. In this dialogue exchange, Jesus clearly identified himself as the Son of God before the religious leaders, knowing full well that this acknowledgement would bring upon his own head, excruciating torture unto death. Jesus did so because he wanted to fulfill the will of God, to die for our sins and the sin of the world.
In this passage, we thought about what Jesus encountered right before his crucifixion and death. Briefly, every horrific encounter that Jesus experienced was because of our sins.
Jesus experienced betrayal and denial from those he loved; for us. Jesus drank the cup of death; for us. Jesus experienced merciless beating, insults and mockery; for us. Finally, this passage shows us that Jesus obeyed God’s will unto death. Because of Jesus’ obedience, we naturally think this means that we should obey God’s will. But no one can obey God’s will, not even Simon Peter. Therefore, Jesus’ obedience to his Father’s will doesn’t primarily mean that we should obey God. Rather, Jesus’ obedience should only exposes how incomplete and disobedient we are before God. Our daily disobedience deserves eternal condemnation in hell forever. But because of Jesus’ obedience, God credits to us Jesus’ righteousness, in spite of our disobedience. When we look at Jesus, he enables us to live as joyful, thankful Christian. When we look at Jesus, we can humbly obey God's will for our generation.