THURSDAY - THE CUP

FAMILY CONVERSATIONS

Scripture
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?” So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. John 18:11-12 (NLT)

Devotion
Imagine you are facing something really scary, and you know you have a choice: run away or go through it. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was facing the cross—the most painful thing imaginable—and he called it a "cup." This cup represented all the suffering, all the sin of the world, and even being separated from God the Father for a time.
Just before this moment, Jesus had prayed multiple times, asking his Father if there was any other way (Matthew 26:39). He knew the terrible price he would pay. But look at his response to Peter: “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” This is an act of perfect submission, a choice to obey God's will even when it meant immense pain.
In the Bible, the image of a "cup" often represents suffering, sorrow, or God’s judgment (Jeremiah 25:15–28, Isaiah 51:17). Jesus chose to drink that cup for us.
Even today, we use the word "cup" in different ways: When we say something is “not my cup of tea,” we are saying no to a certain course of action or experience. We give trophies shaped like cups to winners, acknowledging they went through a difficult trial or challenge to achieve victory.
Jesus was willing to take the toughest “cup” so that we could have life and forgiveness. His submission in the garden is what made his sacrifice on the cross possible.

Conversation
What does it mean to "submit" or "obey" a parent or teacher?
Can you think of a time when you had to do something difficult, but you knew it was the right thing to do?
Why was it important for Jesus to choose to drink this cup instead of fighting back or running away?
Jesus submitted to God's will. How can we try to be more submissive to what God wants for us in our lives?

Prayer
Together as a family, thank Jesus for his willingness to submit to God’s perfect plan and endure suffering on our behalf. Ask the Holy Spirit to help us trust God completely, even when things are difficult or scary, and to choose God’s will over our own.