The Cup of Christmas (by Matthew DelValle)

(originally published December 22, 2010)

39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”  (Luke 22:39-46)

During the Christmas season we are reminded of the truth of the Incarnation. The Incarnation is that God the Son—Jesus Christ—took on human flesh. He became one of us. He was born of a woman (Gal. 4:4). He lived under the authority and instruction of His parents (Luke 2:41-52). He had brothers and sisters (Luke 8:19-21). He ate when He was hungry (Luke 7:36). He drank when He was thirsty (John 4:7). He slept when He was tired (Luke 8:23). He cried when He was sad (John 11:35). He was like us in every respect (Heb. 2:17), yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). Christmas reminds us of all these truths.

In this passage from Luke 22 we catch another glimpse at the humanity of Jesus: He sweated. We have all sweated before. But have you sweat so hard drops of blood fell from your face? There is a condition known as hematidrosis where extreme anguish or physical strain causes the blood vessels to burst, mixing blood with sweat. Jesus was undergoing such anguish. Matthew’s account records Jesus saying, “My soul is very  sorrowful, even to death” (Matt. 26:38). Jesus was experiencing the most extreme level of anguish. Why? It was because of His Father’s cup that He knew He must drink (John 18:11).

The Cup

I want to camp out on this “cup” for a moment. In the Old Testament the cup was a metaphor for God’s wrathful judgment upon sin. In Psalm 75:8 Asaph wrote, “For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs.” The prophet Isaiah echoes this language, “Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl, the

cup of staggering” (Isa. 51:17). In both of these Old Testament passages it is the wicked who are to drink the cup of God’s wrath. They are the ones who deserve judgment, and therefore they are the ones who drain the cup down to the dregs.

Yet here in Luke’s Gospel we read something startling: Jesus is asking the Father if He is willing to remove a cup from Him. God the Father had prepared a cup of wrath for God the Son to drink to the full. It was as if God the Father was saying, “In the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and I pour out from it, and my only begotten Son shall drain it down to the dregs.”

Jesus knew He was to drink the cup of His Father’s wrath. He knew what awaited Him at His crucifixion. It wasn’t death at the hands of lawless men that put Jesus into agony. It wasn’t even the horrific death of crucifixion. Jesus had taught His disciples, “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell” (Luke 12:4-5). No, what Jesus agonized over in the garden of Gethsemane was not murder by sinful men. What Jesus agonized over was drinking His own Father’s cup. That’s why He ended His prayer by saying, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). “It was the will of the LORD to crush him” (Isa. 53:10).

When Jesus cried out from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, that wasn’t hyperbole (Matt. 27:46). Jesus wasn’t just saying how He felt. He didn’t merely feel forsaken. He was forsaken. He was bearing the full weight of the wrath of God against all law-breaking, glory-trading, God-dishonoring sin upon Himself. Every bitter thought, every evil deed—all the sins of everyone who would believe in Him Jesus took upon Himself. If ever there was a person truly forsaken—in the deepest sense of the word—it was Jesus. He drank the cup down to the dregs.

Christ Our Curse

Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.’” The reason Jesus was forsaken by His Father is because He was cursed by His Father. That is literally what happened at Golgotha. The Father couldn’t even bear to look at His Son, who had become a mass of sin. The very sight of it disgusted Him because all He saw was filth. That is what is meant when we read, “He became sin who knew no sin” (2 Cor. 5:21). Christ became sin.

Think about this: The eternity of punishment that the wicked will experience will not compare to the wrath that was inflicted upon our Lord. It will not be equal. They will only experience the due punishment for one person’s sins—their own. No more, no less. Christ took the punishment of wrath not for one person but for billions of people. That is punishment upon punishment, wrath upon wrath, multiplied billions of times over. And what normally takes an eternity to unleash was concentrated into the most intense three hours that can be conceived. 6-week summer classes are harder than 16-week semester classes; try cramming an eternity of punishment into 3 hours. The cross was a crash course in experiencing the holy wrath of Almighty God.

I think that’s why Jesus prayed so hard His sweat became blood. It was His last opportunity to commune with His Father before He would be totally and utterly forsaken. In a matter of hours, the Father would turn His back on His Son. He would not listen to Him. He would curse Him. That’s why Luke records in verse 44 that Jesus was in agony. What could be more agonizing? He was about to experience the wrath of His Father.

Saved From God’s Wrath

So what are you saved from? If someone asks you, “Are you saved?” what do they mean? Saved from what? Friends, if we have repented of our sins and believed in our hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord, we have been saved from God Himself. We aren’t saved from hell. Hell wasn’t mad at us. We’re saved from God, and His righteous wrath against our rebellious, cosmic treason. In my place—in my place!—condemned He stood.

I love these words from John Stott about Christ’s death on the cross: “[The cross] is an appeasement of the wrath of God by the love of God through the gift of God. The initiative is not taken by us, nor even by Christ, but by God himself in sheer unmerited love. His wrath is averted not by any external gift, but by his own self-giving to die the death of sinners. This is the means he has himself contrived by which to turn his own wrath away.” To which I say, “Hallelujah!”

We are saved from God, by God, for God. Now God is no longer angry with us but only and forevermore our merciful Father. That, my friends, is amazing grace. Thank you, Jesus, for drinking the cup for me.

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!


Other posts by Matthew DelValle:

• Why I'm Blogging
• The Anatomy of Anxiety
• Why Are We Conformed to Christ? 

The Anatomy of Anxiety (Matthew DelValle)

Luke 12:22-34:

22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

In this passage Jesus gives 8 reasons why anxiety about God’s provision is unnecessary. Let’s look at each reason closer and consider how we can fight off anxiety by God’s power and grace.

1.  Anxiety Comes From Unbelief

“But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” (Luke 12:28).

Anxiety arises from not trusting in the sufficiency of God’s provision through godly means; it seeks more than what God has promised for our contentment. This is the ultimate reason why we worry: we fail to trust in the promises and character of God. Anxiety comes from of a root failure to fully believe in the sovereign, omnipotent God of the universe. Therefore, anxiety is very serious and should be combated on all fronts. Work daily to cultivate your faith in God, and you will cut the root of unbelief that leads to anxiety.

2.  Anxiety Has Misplaced Priorities

“For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing” (Luke 12:23)

Anxiety elevates certain things—even necessary things—to unhealthy levels. It reshapes our priorities to align less with God’s and more with the desires of our flesh.

3.  Anxiety Undermines the Value God Places on Us

“Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! […] Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” (Luke 12:24, 27-28).

Since God is so carefully involved with nature to make sure that the birds get fed and the lilies grow and the grass gets clothed, and you are more valuable than them, then it stands to reason that God values you immensely more than animals and land. It's not that birds never work for food, but that they do not worry about the future because God provides for them. So you should do the same. Since “God so clothes
the grass of the field,” which only last for a moment, then He definitely cares for you, His child whom He loves with an everlasting love that cost Him the death of His Son to redeem (Rom. 8:29-32). That is a great reason to trust God no matter what the circumstances of life may bring. Trust in Him, and He will direct your paths (Prov. 3:5-6).

4.  Anxiety Doesn’t Accomplish Anything

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Luke 12:25).

The parallel passage in Matthew says that nobody can by being anxious “add a cubit to his stature.” It doesn’t help us grow; it doesn’t help us to live longer. So then, it is virtually useless to worry. It will not help at all. Anxiety can only make things worse.

5.  Anxiety Doesn’t Make Sense

“If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” (Luke 12:26).

There is no legitimate reason to worry about God’s provision if you are His child. “Why are you anxious?” Jesus asks. Well, what’s the reason? Is there a good one? Nope. Our God “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt. 5:45). If God is so merciful to His enemies, how much more will He provide for the needs of His children?

6.  Anxiety Is Characteristic of Unbelievers

“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things” (Luke 12:29-30a).

A sixth reason why anxiety is due to a lack of faith is that it is characteristic of unbelievers. You want to look like the world? Be a worrywart. Anxiety should not characterize the church of God.

7.  Anxiety Doubts the Wisdom of God

“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them” (Luke 12:29-30).

Anxiety about the future should not mark God’s people who know that their heavenly Father knows exactly what they need and will take care of them. Therefore, cast all your anxieties on God, because He cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7).

8.  Anxiety Does Not Operate from an Eternal Perspective

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:32-34).

Friends, our greatest need is not food. Our greatest need is not clothing. Our greatest need is not a spouse. Our greatest need is to be delivered from the righteous wrath of Almighty God, and God has met that need at the cross. He did not spare his own Son but gave Him up for us all. He will give us the kingdom out of his good pleasure. How then will God not meet our much smaller needs? Trust His wisdom, trust His sovereignty, and trust His love.

The Cure for Anxiety

So how can we eliminate useless worrying from our lives? We must have faith in the goodness of God. In verse 32 Jesus says, “Fear not, little flock.” Why Jesus? Why should we not be afraid? “For it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” God will not abandon His flock. Our Father won’t leave His children as orphans; our Shepherd will guard his sheep. It is God’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom. In light of this great truth, what do we have to worry about?

Therefore, make it your priority to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Strive to make God's sovereign rule and your relationship with Him and obedience to His Word the focal point of your life. Anxiety goes against this priority, as it doubts God's providential care for your life and sets your eyes away
from the finish line.

So I implore you: entrust your soul to your faithful Creator (1 Pet. 4:19) and believe the words of Paul: “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). Believe the words of Jeremiah: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23). Trust God. Trust His Word.

Lay it Down, Pick it Up, and Follow Jesus (by Bobby Thompson)

There is no such thing as a Christian who does not become a disciple of Jesus Christ. I did not say that as soon as one professes Christ his life automatically becomes spiritually disciplined and passionately persues the glory of God in all things. What I am saying is that the Bible does not allow for perpetual indifference in the life of a believer. There are no instructions for those who wish to become the best mediocre Christian they can be. It dosent even make sense. The only kind of Christian described in the Bible is the Christian disciple - learning about Him, living like Him, loving like Him.
One very concise statment of Christian discipleship is found in Luke 9:23:
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
Three quick observations:
1. A disciple of Christ must deny himself. Self denial is not popular, fun, or easy - but it is God's way. Lay down our rights. Lay down our wills. Lay down our lives.
2. A disciple of Christ must take up his cross daily. Jesus has a cross for each of us to bear. It may come in different forms, but if you are a believer, be sure that it will involve bearing the reproach of Christ. (Hebrews 13:13) 1 John 3:13 says "Don't be suprised if the world hates you (because it hated Jesus first - John 15:18).
3. A disciple of Christ must follow Christ. "Where he leads me I will follow" - We sing it, and we preach it but are we prepared to do it?
I want to leave you with the next two verses of Luke 9, because they help us see that following Christ is not an optional matter for the true believer:
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and looses his own soul?"