Jesus Faces the Cross

GOLDEN TEXT: “And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” —Mark 14:36

MARK 14:32-42

WHILE the Scripture assignment for this lesson is very brief, dealing only with the few hours spent in the Garden of Gethsemane, in a larger sense Jesus was facing the cross from the very beginning of his ministry. He knew from the outset that he was to give his life for the sins of the world. He had explained to his disciples that he would give his “flesh,” his humanity, for the life of the world.—John 6:51

On his final trip to Jerusalem, Jesus explained to his disciples that he expected to be arrested and to be put to death. It was on this occasion that Peter endeavored to dissuade his Master from going to Jerusalem and thus recklessly exposing himself to his enemies. It was then that Jesus said to Peter, “Get thee behind me, Satan: thou savorest not the things that be of God.” (Mark 8:31-33) Jesus recognized that it was the will of God for him to surrender to his enemies and allow them to put him to death.

Even when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an ass, and was enthusiastically acclaimed King by the multitude, he knew that he was not then to receive his kingdom, but was to be put to death, that even during those few moments of popularity he was facing the cross. In a parable, he had likened himself to a “certain nobleman” who went away to receive a kingdom and to return, and he knew that he was “going away” in death.—Luke 19:12

In the “upper room,” prior to going to Gethsemane, Jesus was facing the cross. He knew that Judas, one of his own disciples, had plotted to betray him to his enemies. Knowing this, Jesus could doubtless have escaped from the city and to safety. But he faced the cross knowingly and willingly. This required courage and strength, inspired by love for his Heavenly Father and for the dying world of mankind.

In Gethsemane, the awful reality of the cross was seen more vividly by the Master, yet he was still resigned to the Father’s will, and remained steadfast in his determination to carry it out. In prayer he said to the Father, “All things are possible unto thee; take away this cup”; but, quickly he added, “Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”—vs. 36

Certainly Jesus would have been glad had there been another way to accomplish the divine plan. The ordeal of the mental and physical suffering which faced him was not pleasant to contemplate; but since it was the Father’s will, he would not flinch from it. Instead, he looked earnestly to the Father for strength and courage to endure, and received it.

Jesus loved his disciples, but in to this crucial hour he found that he could not depend upon them for the help he most needed. They could not “watch” with him, but instead, fell asleep. This was not because they lacked interest, or were afraid. It was simply that they could not understand the nature of the trial through which he was passing.

A little later, after they had failed to “watch” with the Master, Peter demonstrated his love and devotion by drawing his sword and attempting to prevent the Master’s arrest. With the assistance of the other disciples, who probably would have been willing to help, Jesus might well have been delivered from his enemies, but he did not permit this.

While Peter could not “watch,” although his spirit was willing, he could fight. But Jesus did not want this. As he explained to Peter, if he wished to ask the Father, the Father would send him more than twelve legions of angels to deliver him. Jesus did not need Peter’s sword!—Matt. 26:53

Jesus’ refusal to allow Peter deliver him was a demonstration that his death was voluntary. This was further shown when he was on trial before the high priest, where he acknowledged that he was “the Christ, the Son of God.” This, to the priest, was blasphemy, rightly punishable by death. (Matt. 26:63-66; Mark 14:61-64) When asked by Pilate if he was a king, “Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” (Mark 15:2; John 18:37) He made no attempt to defend himself. His hour had come, and he delighted to have the Father’s will accomplished. Besides, he died for the world because he loved the world.

QUESTIONS

When did Jesus begin to face the cross?

How do we know that Jesus expected to die for the sins of the world?

Why were the disciples unable to “watch” with the Master?

Explain the circumstances under which Jesus demonstrated that he died voluntarily.

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