“But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?” (John 18:11 NLT)

While reading Jesus’ story before His arrest and crucifixion, I paused when I read, “…Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me” (John 11:18)? Jesus was talking to Peter, the aggressive and impulsive disciple. This question was directed to Peter because of his actions. Peter cut off one of the soldiers’ ears when he saw that His Lord was in imminent danger of being arrested.

Jesus knew His hour had come and was willing to succumb to the arrest. The cup Jesus was referring to was a cup of suffering and death—His assignment given to Him by His Father. Knowing Peter’s knowledge was limited, Jesus was asking Peter, “not to frustrate His purpose.” “Don’t try to hinder my reason for coming to earth.” God had given His Son a cup of agony packed with purpose.

Earlier, in the garden, Jesus asked His Father to remove the cup if possible. But, after spending a night in prayer with His Father, Jesus resigned to the fact that there was no way around drinking the dregs of the cup if He was going to complete His earthly mission. Therefore, He received the cup.

All of us have been given a cup by God, an assignment, a purpose for living. And yes, it’s a bitter cup. A cup of suffering and pain. Are you trying to dodge it, or are you willing to fulfill it no matter the cost? Some of us are like Jesus; prayed and asked God to remove the bitter and shameful dregs of our cups. But after spending time in prayer, we have concluded, “Not my will, but thy be done.”

In the same way as Jesus, people and circumstances are trying to hinder us from drinking the cup. We must respond like Jesus and confront them if we are going to live a purpose-driven life. We cannot afford to allow anything or anyone to frustrate our assignment. Things that seem reasonable or right might impede fulfilling our purpose.

A note to those with the gift of mercy (those who have a difficult time saying no), sift or filter everything through the Spirit of God. There are times when we have to say no and walk away from “loved ones” if their actions are standing between us and our God-given mission. A word to the wise should be sufficient. 

Jesus loved Peter, but He didn’t commend his good intentions.

Pray…

Lord, help me recognize hindrances to my assignment and give me the strength to say no! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Posted by on Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 @ 10:30AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational
Tags: Assignment, Cup, Peter, Purpose, Say No