The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 26 April 2024 – Jesus Drank The Cup
TOPIC: Jesus Drank The Cup
READ: John 18: 1-14 (NKJV)
- When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered.
- And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
- Then Judas, having received a detachment [of troops,] and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
- Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
- They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am [He.”] And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.
- Now when He said to them, “I am [He,”] they drew back and fell to the ground.
- Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
- Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am [He.] Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,”
- that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
- Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
- So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
- Then the detachment [of troops] and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.
- And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year.
- Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
THE MESSAGE:
At Gethsemane Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt’ (Matthew 26: 39). Jesus drank the cup for our salvation, deliverance and liberation. It was a cup full of afflictions and suffering that Jesus endured. He suffered, was stricken, pierced with sword, smitten, afflicted, bruised for our iniquities, chastised for our peace, endured stripes for our healing, carried His cross, had a crown of thorns, put to grief by God, bore our iniquities, offered His soul as a sin offering, was crucified, died and was buried. He sealed and made our salvation authentic by His resurrection. It is finished!
We must carry our own cross and follow Jesus, and be ready at all times to drink our own cup. We must endure hardship, persecution, trials, temptations, sufferings and anything that may come our way, and still remain faithful without compromise. Beware, so that by character, conduct and speech, you will not betray Jesus. You must fight the battle of faith with weapons of warfare which are not carnal (Ephesians 6: 10-18), and not with a physical sword like Peter.
PRAYER: God, grant us grace to drink our cups and never deny or betray You in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
