Hi all,
I hope the journey with Jesus’ prayers has been strengthening for us all. We’ve experienced His travailing prayers as well as His silent prayers, we’ve been with him in public and in private. What makes today’s Holy Nougat somewhat distinctive is the background to the prayer, what He prayed, and the fact that God responded publicly. May our hearts be blessed – enjoy
““Now My soul is troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But it was for this reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came out of heaven, “I have glorified it, and again I will glorify it!”” John 12:27-28 TLV
Here is Jesus, on what is traditionally known as Palm Sunday, having already made His ‘Triumphant Entry’ into Jerusalem. Interestingly, Jesus is not excited about the adulation or fanfare of the crowds, not even about the Greeks who wanted to meet Him (v. 20-22). In fact, their request to meet Jesus seems to be what triggered the sentiment behind the prayer.
Again we see reference to Jesus being glorified. (Please note this verse preceded the High Priestly prayer, which we looked at from John 17). And again glory is connected with death and resurrection, and the impact thereof.
What is noteworthy and different in this prayer however, are the words that preceded Jesus’ brief prayer. Jesus, the same Saviour Who in John 14 consoles the disciples, states publicly that He was troubled by what lay ahead. In His divinity (ie, as God), Jesus knew and was ready for what was coming next. His HUMAN self was disturbed and He named it in that public setting.
But
He didn’t stop there – No no nonono He did not. He then asked the rhetorical question; ‘shall I say Father save me…’ and answered it in the very same moment – <<No. This is about Purpose; God’s Purpose for My (Christ’s) incarnation.>> In facing the challenge set before Him (both the temptation to bask in the adulation of the crowds and the bittersweet journey to the Cross); Jesus patterns for us the Way to process our own challenges.
It is about purpose. Walking in it, even when the way is troubled. And, in walking in purpose on purpose, we offer ourselves to God; just like Jesus did; knowing full well that we are troubled and the outcome may seem unfavorable for us. That’s a tough call. But it’s the Jesus call.
We cannot reflect on this prayer without noticing that God responds publicly. A public heartfelt prayer elicited a public divine response. God received Jesus’ human act of sacrifice (ie a living sacrifice) and God honored it.
I believe that God will do the same when we offer ourselves to God.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
