Jesus spent much time talking with God the Father. Although many of His prayers are recorded, we often fail to understand their importance. He was God, but He needed to receive strength and direction through prayer because He was also human, just as we are human.
Insight into the interaction between Jesus and God the Father is especially evident in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Passover meal. Jesus was distressed, and He recoiled at the cross. "Abba, Father," he said. . . . Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will. . . ." (Mk. 14:36a,c, NIV)
Although He was submitted to the Father, Jesus would have liked another plan of salvation.
He withdrew from the disciples three times that evening as He prayed, coming to terms with God's Will. Finally He said, "The hour has come, Look, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." (v. 41b)
No longer seeking another plan, He was ready for His destiny. "Rise!" He said. "Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" (v. 42)
Originally published June 22, 1990.
Picture: Roadside thistle, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.
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