Submission, Suffering, and Hope Explained in Everyday Language
Introduction: A Moment That Changed Everything
Imagine being faced with a choice so difficult, so full of pain, that everything inside you wants to run from it. But instead of escaping, you decide to trust a bigger plan, even if it means going through hardship. That’s what happened to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, right before he was arrested and later crucified. It’s one of the most powerful moments in the Bible, and it holds deep meaning for anyone who’s faced hard times or tough choices.
What Happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?
The story takes place just after the Last Supper. Jesus knows what’s coming: betrayal, suffering, and death on a cross. He goes to a quiet garden called Gethsemane with a few of his closest friends, the disciples. There, he prays a prayer that’s been echoed by millions ever since:
· Matthew 26:39: “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
· Luke 22:42: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
The “cup” isn’t a literal drink. It’s a symbol for the suffering, pain, and death that Jesus is about to experience.
Jesus’s Humanity and Divinity: Two Sides, One Person
One remarkable thing about this moment is that it shows both sides of Jesus: his full humanity and his full divinity. As a human, he feels fear, sorrow, and the natural wish to avoid suffering. He’s not a robot or a distant superhero—he feels what any person would feel in his place. But as the Son of God, he also knows that his suffering is part of a bigger plan: the salvation of mankind. So, he chooses to say, “Not my will, but yours be done,” putting God’s will ahead of his own comfort.
Why Did Jesus Pray This Way?
· He was honest about his feelings: Jesus didn’t hide his pain or pretend everything was easy. He told God exactly how he felt and what he wished could happen.
· He showed the importance of submission: Even though he wanted the suffering to pass, he chose to trust God’s plan above his own.
· He fulfilled prophecy and his mission: This act of surrender was central to what Christians call “the Atonement”—Jesus taking on the consequences of sin so people could be forgiven.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
Most of us won’t face something as overwhelming as Jesus did. Still, life brings its fair share of tough times: loss, disappointment, illness, or just feeling stuck. Jesus’s prayer in the garden shows us a path through those moments.
· It’s okay to tell God how you really feel, even if you’re scared or hurting.
· It’s possible to trust that there’s a bigger plan at work, even if you don’t understand it right now.
· Submission isn’t about giving up; it’s about letting go of control and believing something good can come out of hardship.
How Did Jesus’s Disciples Experience This Moment?
When Jesus went deeper into the garden to pray, he brought three disciples—Peter, James, and John—who had previously seen his glory during the Transfiguration (a miraculous moment from earlier in his life). The idea is that those who have witnessed God’s greatness are better prepared to stand strong in times of trouble. Still, even these friends struggled to stay awake and pray with Jesus during his darkest hour.
The Gospels describe Jesus as overwhelmed by sorrow and anguish—words that paint a picture of someone surrounded by misery and anxiety. He prayed repeatedly, asking if there was another way. But he kept returning to the central point: “Not my will, but yours be done.” He accepted the suffering to come, fully aware of its weight.
Why Was Jesus’s Suffering So Intense?
The Bible says that Jesus wasn’t just fearing physical pain; he was taking on the “cup” of humanity’s wrongdoing. He had a full understanding of how serious sin is and the distance it creates between people and God. As the one chosen to make things right, Jesus took on a load so heavy that he sweated drops like blood (Luke 22:44)—a detail showing just how intense the stress and spiritual burden were.
He was tempted, probably by dark thoughts and fears whispered by Satan, even though his own heart was perfectly pure. This made the struggle even harder, and yet, he leaned into prayer. He was supported by an angel, and even in agony, he didn’t pull away from his mission.
God’s Will for Salvation: Is It Really for Everyone?
The Bible also talks about God’s desire for people to be saved:
· 1 Timothy 2:4: God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
· 2 Peter 3:9: God is “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
These verses say that God wants everyone to find forgiveness and eternal life. But people disagree on what this means. Some Christian traditions (like Calvinism) emphasize God’s power and decision-making—he chooses who is saved. Others (like Arminianism) believe people have the freedom to accept or reject God’s offer. Either way, the main point is clear: God’s heart is open to all, and Jesus’s sacrifice was made for everyone, not just a select few.
What Do the Biblical Accounts Teach About Our Response?
The New Testament describes Christians as people who should be devoted to prayer and good conduct toward others, regardless of background or history. Jesus is presented as the Mediator—the one who bridges the gap between humanity and God. Anyone who wants to come to God can do so through Christ’s sacrifice.
We’re encouraged to seek truth, because knowing the truth helps us live it. Godliness and honesty go hand in hand: how we worship and how we treat others are both important.
Lessons for Everyday Life
· Be honest in your prayers. Don’t be afraid to share your real feelings and struggles with God. Jesus did!
· Trust the bigger picture. Even when things don’t make sense, you can trust that God has a plan.
· Submission isn’t weakness. It’s a way of letting go and allowing God to work, even in hard times.
· Watch and pray. Life is full of temptations and challenges. Stay alert and stay connected to God through prayer.
· Value both worship and how you treat others. True faith isn’t just about beliefs—it’s about actions toward others.
· Remember, salvation is available to all. Jesus’s sacrifice is for everyone who is willing to accept it.
Conclusion: Hope in Suffering, Strength in Submission
Jesus’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane shows the depth of human emotion and the power of faith. He didn’t hide from pain, but faced it head-on, trusting God’s will. Whether you’re facing a big challenge or just the everyday struggles of life, his example offers hope. You can be honest about your fears and still choose to trust. You can find purpose in pain and strength in surrender.
God’s desire is that everyone would find salvation and truth. The door is open, the invitation is given. The story of Gethsemane reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there’s a path toward light—one paved with honesty, trust, and submission to a loving God’s will.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 