No Quitter
Scripture Reading — John 19:28-30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:30
Were there times when Jesus simply wanted to quit? Is it possible there were moments when he was ready to simply say, “Thanks, but no thanks?”
Maybe you’ve never thought of Jesus wanting to throw in the towel. But isn’t that what Jesus was expressing when he prayed in the garden on the night of his arrest? He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me” (Luke 22:42). Jesus was in anguish, praying so earnestly that “his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (22:44). He was looking into his Father’s heart, asking if there was some other way. He was looking up to the heavens, searching for another way to replace the path of suffering that lay ahead.
Of course, we now know that he didn’t give up. He followed through. In the end, he was able to pray, “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Jesus may have been on the verge of quitting, but he obediently pressed on so that his Father’s will could be accomplished through him.
That’s what makes his words from the cross “It is finished” so magnificent. Despite every obstacle, Jesus had stuck to his mission. He had resolutely finished what the Father had sent him to do. He was no quitter; he was a winner.
God, my Father, thank you that Jesus never gave up. He was determined to see your plan of salvation through to the end, for my sake and for your glory. Amen.
About the author — Shawn Brix
Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.
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