The Cross, Part 2: Not as I will

"Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" [Matt 26:39]

Although it seems possible for the will of Jesus to be contrary to the Father's, there was never a moment in which Jesus actually acted upon any impulse that wasn't aligned with the Father's gracious plan of salvation. "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me." And in this setting aside of ones own will, we see yet another instance in which Christ was, "tempted as we are, yet without sin." Since most of us will never even be tempted to such a great magnitude, because usually "In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood," it is comforting to know that Christ was not only "tempted as we are" but in a far greater way, and yet was sustained by the same Spirit that is now being poured out freely upon those who believe! It may very well be that this was the greatest temptation of all for our Lord. To give up his will, his desires, and even his very life for the sake of the Father's will and desires - even for the sake of our own lives was Christ our Lord crucified!