#JESUS2018 - Daily DevotionalsSample

STRUGGLING WITH GOD

Is it not remarkable that Jesus, God’s son starts struggling with God in the most difficult hour of his earthly existence?

Over again in the Bible, especially in the prophets, we read that the “suffering servant” has to come on earth to pay for our debt, to redeem us so that we can have eternal life (e.g. Isaiah 53). Jesus himself announced his death several times and sharply reprimanded Peter when he contradicted him by saying: “Get behind me, Satan!” (Mark 8:33).

Why does Jesus ask his father to spare him of this suffering in this moment? Was Jesus thinking about alternative stories, in which God allowed people to change his mind and his plans? Did he have Abraham’s story in mind, in which God prevented Abraham from sacrificing his son? (Genesis 22) What God prevented for Abraham is what he now required of himself.

Even though Jesus’ request might make no sense for the story of salvation from our point of view, it expresses his deep trust in his father and shows how we can deal with sorrow.

Jesus trusts that his “daddy” can do everything, even turn the plan of salvation upside down. On the other hand, Jesus commits himself completely to his daddy, even if it meant death. 

ACTION STEP:

Have you already experienced deep sorrow? What? Write it down on paper!

Let’s take this painful experience to the father with Jesus’ attitude! Entrust him with everything and give yourself completely to him, even if your circumstances do not change. “God, what you want should happen.”

Phil Sternbauer, ICF Mittelland