Fear No Fear

“But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink from the cup that I am to drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will indeed drink from My cup and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with. But to sit at My right hand and at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”” (Matthew 20:22-23, MEV). The cup that Jesus drank from doesn’t seem to be a great cup. Persecuted for being righteous. Persecuted for proclaiming God’s Truth. Falsely imprisoned, tortured, and killed. This is not a delicious cup. Certainly not one that we are seeking to sip from. How is this a reminder that He loves us? Well, He said that we would be treated like He was when the world around us sees Jesus inside us (John 15:20). So when we emulate Him and do what He did (John 5:19-20), the world will react to us the same way. Good thing long-term, but not always pleasant. BUT Jesus’ cup has more than that in it. Jesus’ cup has righteousness – and in Him WE get to be that righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus’ cup has Fruit in it (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus’ cup has overcoming in it (John 16:33). If we get to drink from Jesus’ cup, we might have to endure the world reacting to the Jesus in us. But we will ALSO get to experience the OTHER things Jesus did. Being lifted up by the Father to sit in heavenly places in Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). Being glorified in Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). Being given Holy Spirit as Jesus was (Romans 5:5). Being given wisdom as Jesus was (James 1:5). Given His armour so that we can stand on the Word like He did (Ephesians 6:10-18; James 4:7). Jesus’ cup has SO MUCH blessing in it. Yes, there might be temporary discomfort (2 Corinthians 4:17), but in Jesus we have been given SO MUCH MORE than that! He loves us, so He gives us His cup so that we can live in the victory and overcoming giving of glory to the Father that He did.