He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.
Mark 14:35
This is the moment Jesus had been preparing Himself for. His life and His ministry all led to this moment, the moment He would be taken away to be beaten, scourged, mocked and crucified. The moment those closest to Him would betray Him or flee, and God Himself would turn His face away as Jesus hung on the cross. A torture so horrific that Jesus voices His desire not to go, asking God to change His plans if at all possible.
Had there been any other way, God would have answered that prayer in that moment. Like Abraham on the mountain, a substitute would have been sent if at all possible (Gen. 22:13). God, in infinite wisdom and eternal counsel, knew there was no other blood that could be shed that could atone for the sin of all mankind. There was no other sacrifice powerful and perfect enough to take our place, there was no path to Him other than Christ and Him crucified.
What more could God do to show His love for us, having given the greatest proof of His love? “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all…” (Rom. 8:32). There is no other way to heaven, there is no life without Christ. He is calling you, will you believe?
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.
Acts 2:38-39
#CalledtoBattle
