“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” — Matthew 26:39
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In sports, there are rare moments when an athlete carries a team on their back (figuratively). During these spectacular instances, you witness the athlete carrying the team forward despite the team’s collective failings up to that point. This type of performance offers a glimpse into a larger narrative.
The first humans began in a garden with a test of loyalty and trust in the God whose image they reflected. That test was tainted by the deception of a rebellious enemy, leading the first humans to fall into a trap. Yet, amidst that rebellion, God promised that one day He would bring judgment upon His enemy and pass the test on behalf of humanity (Genesis 3).
Jesus, the God who saves, came as an ordinary baby and grew up in obscurity for 30 years. When the time came for His rescuing work to begin, it was inaugurated by a baptism of the Father’s love and a 40-day wilderness journey, during which Jesus was tested by the adversary himself. Where humans failed, Jesus passed that test. However, the hour arrived for the final test. Jesus found Himself in a garden — reminiscent of the garden where Adam once stood — and yearned for another way to fulfill the Father’s will.
Yet, in the midst of the struggle, Jesus surrendered in trust to the Father’s will. In doing so, He carried humanity “on His back,” conquered death, and rose as the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
— Tyler Keele, Tennessee Smokies chaplain
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