In contrast to the closest friends of Jesus falling asleep three times we see what the writer of Hebrews understood, “he learned obedience from what he suffered”.( 5:8)
“He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.’ When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.” (Matthew 26 v 42-43)
There is a cost to discipleship and it is called learned obedience. Here are 5 steps in that journey:-
Learned obedience is to do all you can to align yourself with the Bible. Jesus has Isaiah racing through his mind where the prophet is alarmed at Gods people drinking the cup of terror (51:17). He knows he will drink the cup of wrath and judgment in order to create the new covenant made with his shed blood.
Learned obedience can be the realisation of a slight but important change from “if it is possible” (v39) to “if it is not possible” (v42). From what you want to what He has purposed is a distance of great pain. It is the prayer of adjustment to what He wants.
Learned obedience is to believe God’s plan is greater than yours even if it feels like it isn’t. It is a prayer of faith: let it be. Amen. It is so. I agree. May your will be done.
Learned obedience is not just to accept one’s fate but to embrace the plan God has. It is to say, ‘Bring it on!’ It is a prayer of conception. I am here, my mind understands, my heart receives, my body is ready, use me.
Learned obedience is to have eyes on ‘My Father’. This is the Almighty, the all-powerful One, Him who placed the stars in the sky and created the gardens of Eden and Gethsemane. The Father of all but importantly yours. ‘My Father’, who is in control despite your circumstances and world falling apart.
Missions Paul 