The soldiers and some religious leaders came to the Kidron Valley with Judas Iscariot the betrayer to arrest Jesus. Although Jesus knew about his painful trials ahead, he stepped forward with courage and calmness. Jesus asked them to let his disciples go. Jesus is the good shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. Jesus protects and cares for his people even when they fail him in their weakness.

Peter struck the high priest's servant with a sword, cutting off his right ear. Peter, as brave as he was, did not help the situation. It was against God’s will. Jesus stopped Peter’s rescue plan because he had resolved to drink the cup that the Father had given him. The cup was his ultimate mission of offering himself as the sacrifice for our sins. Because Jesus drank the cup for us, we now enjoy the gift of his salvation. It is human nature to save ourselves, but God’s life-giving work can be done only as we drink the cup that God has given us. We are here to live a life of mission from God not by joining in the sword fight, but by drinking the cup. Peter drank the cup later, carried out his mission, and glorified God.
Application: Lord, thank you for taking the cup of death for us. Help me take up my cross and partake in your redemption work.
One Word: Join in Jesus’ spiritual fight