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Daily Devotion: Matthew 26:39 - If. . . Then Why? (Good Friday)

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Matthew 26:39     "And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

Mark 15:34     "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

Much has been said about Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. What did He mean by asking, "If it be possible..."? Was He trying to change His mind? Was He trying to change the Father's mind? Was He looking for a way out? I don't think so.  I believe the cup that caused such agony is answered by His question while on the cross. The always obedient Son was dreading the time when the Father would forsake (turn His back upon? His Son in Whom He was well pleased.

If the cup would now pass, then why did the Father turn His back upon His blessed Son? Did He leave Him alone on those hours? Jesus had said everyone would leave Him alone except the Father. Was He mistaken when He said that? No, He wasn't! The Father did not leave Him alone, but He did turn His back away. Jesus asked that question for us to ponder. He knew the answer. So, why did the Father turn His face away? The answer is this - it was because of MY sin and YOUR sin!  In those hours, Jesus became sin for us. My sin and yours was laid upon Him. He was paying the price in order for our sins to be paid in full.  He died so we could live. 

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