These were Jesus’ words, spoken in the garden of Gethsemane.

Satan having entered into his heart, Judas, who betrayed Jesus, led a detachment of troops and Jewish officials with lanterns, torches, and weapons into the garden in order to seize Jesus.

Peter will have none of it, and takes up the sword to resist, and to defend the Savior.

Jesus will have none of that, for His kingdom is not of this world (18:36), and comes not by slaying men with the sword but by slaying sin on the cross.

Our text is Jesus affirming His resolution to go to the cross.

It will mean death to Him, but atonement for sin, glory for the Father, salvation for His people.

But He will have to drink the cup. He will have to will to drink that cup—voluntarily to drink all of it.

The cup is the portion God the Father has given to His Son, the Savior. The Son’s cup is a portion of great suffering. It is brimming with suffering.

What suffering? It is the suffering of the wrath of God. Jesus, to be perfect Messiah, will have to bear that wrath in the place of sinners who deserve it, but for whom He is the great One In Their Place.

Jesus had just prayed, this very night He is betrayed, that Father would let this cup pass from Him (cf. Matthew: 26:39ff). He struggles not with obedience, but recoils, in spotless, holy humanity, at the prospect of that wrath of the Father Who loves Him, Whom He loves.

Father has answered. The cup may not pass from His Son.

Now the Son says: that is my will too. No matter if I am forsaken, go to hell, and die.

Shall I not drink the cup which my Father has given Me?

In this resolution of the Savior, a resolution He acts upon with unwavering determination and love,

Is our salvation.

That we might lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord (Psalm 116:12).

For such a time as this.

With you in Him, confiding in the Savior and His truth and love,