Answering James and John’s request for preferential seats in the kingdom, Jesus asked them, ‘Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?’ (Matthew 20:22)

The cup was familiar from the prophets.

Isaiah 51:17 speaks of ‘the cup of His wrath’ which is God’s judgment on the wicked nations, even Israel. Jesus was to drink the cup for all the world’s sin and wickedness (Isaiah 53:4-6).

Three times Jesus asks if it can be taken away, so terrible it is, but each time it is his Father’s will that he chooses (Matt 26:39, 42, 44).

John has Jesus call it ‘the cup the Father has given me.’ (John 18:11).

James and John were told ‘You will indeed drink from my cup’ (Matthew 20:23).

In some way, we all must taste of the world’s evil and wickedness.

What bitter cup are you tasting? Is it the Father’s will?

Jesus’ suffering was intense (Matt 26:37 – ‘sorrowful and troubled’).

The He said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death’ (v 38).

Luke 22:44. ‘Being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.’

Hebrews 5:7. ‘He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who would save him from death.’

Spend some time today in silence meditating on Jesus’ agony for you.