Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me? John 18:11

Jesus stops His disciples from trying to fight their way out of the Garden of Gethsemane with these words.

The Sword
Peter's sword is a symbol of our feeble attempts to work our way into God's favor. With that one little sword, Peter envisioned taking on a cohort of Roman soldiers (200 -600 men, probably 600 during Passover season) plus the full retinue of temple police. I don't need Jesus' help. I am strong and brave. I can fight my out.

In the end, he cut one man's ear. And Jesus fixed that. Peter had nothing to show for attempt to deliver himself and his friends.

The Cup
Sometimes the cup is a symbol of God's provision – my cup runneth over. Other times, it's a symbol of God's wrath, or at least some type of difficult trial. Jesus faced both.

The Substitute
There is a cup with my name on it. Shall I drink the cup the Father has given me? Can I face the wrath and judgment of God for my sins? I can't.
God made an offer. If HE will die, if HE will take the punishment, I will be satisfied.

Jesus said, I will.

God has ordained that I take on the full fury of His wrath. Shall I not complete that mission?
God has determined that I take your place. Shall I not do that for you?
God has asked Me to submit. How can I refuse Him?

There is no easy way out. This cannot be done on any other terms. The full brutality of man must be displayed. The holiness of God must be vindicated. His wrath must be satisfied. The effects and terrible cost of sin must be shown with unflinching frankness.

Every word, every action since man's fall has drawn us to this moment. I must see it through.