Children yell it out loud. Adults are a bit more quiet about it, but when we don’t have to do something, we pretty much have to want to do it before it gets done.
I was thinking about that Sunday morning when our pastor read Jesus’ response:
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. (John 12:27 KJV)
Christ did not have to die upon the cross, he could have said '”No,” but instead he said “Thy will be done.” He knew what would happen to him physically. He was familiar with scripture:
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. (Psalms 22:16-18 KJV)
Written hundreds of years before, His ancestor wrote those words prophesying a method of death that Romans would invent after they came into being.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. (Psalms 22:15 KJV)
The result of that drying caused Him to state:
I thirst. (John 19:28b KJV)
He knew the words the thief beside Him would say:
He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. (Psalms 22:8 KJV)
And, finally He cried out David’s words:
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Psalms 22:1a KJV)
He did not call out “I don’t have to!” Instead, He followed His Father’s will for a specific reason.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 KJV)
He asked us that we would learn of Him. Please, do so – but remember, you don’t have to. The choice is yours.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:29 KJV)
