My Father, if it is possible,
may this cup be taken from me.
—Matthew 26:39
Jesus wanted to return to heaven: “Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began” (Jn 17:5).
But anticipating his horrifying approaching death, there was another prayer he prayed—three times: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.”
He wanted to go to heaven—but he didn’t want to die to get there. Nevertheless, if that’s what it took to get us there too, he would do it: “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am” (Jn 17:24).
Running his finger down the list, he paused at my name and said, “I’ll die for him”— at your name and said, “I’ll die for her.”
So, he took the dreaded cup—and drank it.
He is dying to have you with him.