Today’s scripture reading is Matthew 26:36-36.
My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want. -Matthew 26:39b NRSV
There’s a story Max Lucado tells about his daughter Sara and the time she stood on the bed and then jumped.
There seemed to be a huge chasm between the two of them. He extended his arms and told her to leap. When he caught her, they both squealed with delight.
Why do you think his daughter was willing to jump off of the bed and into his arms? I’m guessing it’s because she trusted her father.
In our scripture today, Jesus is deeply grieved. He had taken his three closest friends to a quiet place, instructing them to stay awake while he journeyed further to be alone in prayer. He began his prayer by saying, “My Father.”
In first century Palestine, the word translated Father (“Abba”) was typically used by young children when addressing their father. It was an everyday family word, one that inferred intimacy and trust. It was not a word that was used for God because God was considered unapproachable and distant.
Jesus’ decision to call God “Abba” thus provides us with a helpful clue. His relationship with God is an intimate one. Regardless of how distant God might have seemed in that moment, Jesus was still willing to “jump.” Despite whatever fears or doubts Jesus may have had, he trusted God like a child trusts a parent to catch her when she leaps from a bed.
Jesus would have preferred another ending to the script and not crucifixion at Calvary. And yet, Jesus was willing to go the cross because he trusted God and he was willing to do the will of God.
Your story may not be going the way you’d like. May God grant you the grace to trust today.
