If you have been reading through the Gospel of Luke one chapter a day in December, you have come to the Garden.
Jesus had prepared and warned his disciples about what was coming. Now He leads them to the Garden of Gethsemane and tells them to pray that they do not fall into temptation.
Going on a little farther, He also prays about what was ahead for Him. He prays so fervently that an angel is sent to provide strength. He sweats great drops of blood as He sees the Cross and the Bitter Cup He must drink.
He asks of His Father … “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” [Luke 22:41 HCSB]
“Nevertheless.” What a glorious word. Such a little word. An adverb, plén, it is sometimes translated as “yet” or “however.”
And on that little word hinges the salvation of mankind. Jesus prayed for the cup to be taken away – if the Father was willing to do so. But even if He did not take the bitter cup away, Jesus would do the will of the Father. That’s what nevertheless means.
From that moment on Jesus never wavered, never looked back. He was in complete control, during the betrayal, during the trials, on the cross. He finished the will of the Father, and it will forever be finished!
And because He did, we have an eternity to spend in the glorious presence of our LORD. Amen.
