My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. – Matthew. 26:39

I believe this moment in the story of Jesus’ life is one of the greatest displays of love we find in Scripture. From Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane it’s clear that Jesus did not want to endure the pain of the cross. He wanted to avoid that cup, if at all possible. But even though Jesus was distressed to the point of sweating blood over the pain the next day would hold for him, Jesus submitted to God’s will. He        submitted to those who came to arrest him. He stood trial. He endured    humiliation and outright torture. And in the end, he died a gruesome death on a cross. Jesus let go of his own will and submitted to his     Father’s will, though it would mean incredible pain followed by the ultimate sacrifice. Why? He did it because of the love he had for broken sinners like you and me.

Sometimes we think that because of our sin, we’ve somehow disqualified ourselves from being loved by Jesus. But the fact that we are sinners is the reason Jesus came to lay down his life for us. He came to rescue us from even the most grievous sins we’ve committed. Believe it or not, that moment in the garden when Jesus set his will aside and submitted to the Father’s, he did that for you because he loves you.

Never forget, you are loved.