John 12:27. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
There was a conflict in the Saviour’s heart, - the weakness of his true manhood - striving with the strength of his infinite affection to his people, and also to his Father. We must never forget that He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." If it had been no pain to him to die as the Substitute for sinners, there would have been no atoning sacrifice in his death; and if no dread had overtaken him at the thought of death, it would have proved that he did not die as we do; and, therefore, he would not have been able to take our place as he did. Notice how the Saviour speaks of the struggle that was going on in his soul. "What shall I say?" Do you ever have to ask that question when you are trying to pray? If so, do not be astonished, for even your Lord and Master said the same. "What shall I say?" - as if he paused to consider what form his prayer should take, - "shall I say, Father save me from this hour? No; but I will say, For this cause came I unto this hour."
John 12:27. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
There was a conflict in the Saviour’s heart, - the weakness of his true manhood - striving with the strength of his infinite affection to his people, and also to his Father. We must never forget that He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." If it had been no pain to him to die as the Substitute for sinners, there would have been no atoning sacrifice in his death; and if no dread had overtaken him at the thought of death, it would have proved that he did not die as we do; and, therefore, he would not have been able to take our place as he did. Notice how the Saviour speaks of the struggle that was going on in his soul. "What shall I say?" Do you ever have to ask that question when you are trying to pray? If so, do not be astonished, for even your Lord and Master said the same. "What shall I say?" - as if he paused to consider what form his prayer should take, - "shall I say, Father save me from this hour? No; but I will say, For this cause came I unto this hour."