Matthew 26:29.  But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Matthew 26:39.  And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Matthew 26:42.  He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.”

Yesterday’s sermon from Matthew 26 was a beautiful picture of Jesus in his last hours before his death on the cross. We were reminded that, while the disciples fell asleep, Jesus did not. And He doesn’t sleep today. He is always there during our tribulations, always able to hear our prayers, always able to take the thoughts we cannot put into words and present those requests to God.

Jesus was also a mixture of sorrow and joy. He was sorrowful for what He was to face, even asking the father to take that cup of wrath from Him. Yet as he prayed the second time, still asking for relief from the cross, He understood that it was the Father’s will for Him to take on the sin of the world. However, even as He was sorrowful, there was joy. He knew that the result of what was coming was the redemption of God’s people. He knew that because of what He was about to do, we would be with Him in paradise in the Father’s kingdom.

Everyone goes through tribulations in life. But only those that know and love Jesus can have true joy during those times. Those that don’t know Him can only know sorrow. Sorrow without joy. What a blessing it is to know Jesus.

Father, thank you for the joy that you provide during times of sorrow. Thank you for the love of the Son that brings us comfort. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that watches over, sustains, keeps, and upholds us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Always praying for the glory of God.