In Gethsemane, Jesus shows us what wholehearted surrender to the Father looks like. His prayer—“not as I will, but as You will” (v. 39)—is the pattern for every Christian life.
Much of our unhappiness comes from an untamed, self-centered will. From infancy we insist on our own way, forgetting how limited and short-sighted we are. True freedom comes when, like Paul, we learn contentment in every circumstance through Christ (Phil. 4:11).
A growing Christian is marked by a yielded will. Can we endure disappointment without bitterness? Accept crossed plans without complaint? Sit still and suffer as faithfully as we work and serve? These quiet tests often reveal more about our spiritual maturity than warm feelings or emotional highs. A surrendered will is a deeper evidence of grace.
Jesus also shows us the reality of our weakness (vv. 40–41). Even renewed hearts still battle indwelling sin. The spirit may be willing, but the flesh remains frail. Christ doesn’t excuse this weakness—He urges us to watch and pray because of it. Awareness of our vulnerability should drive us to deeper dependence, not discouragement.
Prayer:
Lord, sanctify and steady our wills by Your Spirit. Teach us to acknowledge our weakness, to watch and pray, and to desire not what we want, but what Christ wants. Amen.
For Meditation:
The maturing Christian learns to ask, “What does Christ will?” rather than “What do I want?”
- Adapted from Daily Readings from All Four Gospels, J.C. Ryle with edits by Robert Sheehan.
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