Shall I Not Drink the Cup?

2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalms 112; John 18 

“Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?’…Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.’”

John 18:11, 36

During the arrest of Jesus, Peter’s violent act of defense against Malchus, the high priest’s servant, sparked an immediate response from Jesus. Peter’s sword was interfering with the cup of deliverance and redemption Jesus was about to drink as he fulfilled the sacrifice of the Passover lamb. Jesus had just offered that Passover cup to Peter at the last supper they had together as disciples, but now Jesus would fulfill that Feast’s purpose for all time. Peter didn’t understand why Jesus would allow himself to be arrested because he didn’t understand yet that Christ’s kingdom was not of this world. Many disciples still don’t understand this reality and like Peter, defend the kingdom of God with the sword. Our leader drank the cup of suffering and death, showing us the way to also take up our cross and follow him for the sake of others.

“Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see your kingdom-ways and live them, for your glory.”