“Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

When Jesus was about to be arrested and crucified, Peter initially rushed to defend Jesus, cutting off the ear of one of the servants who was present. Jesus restrained Peter and then made the statement above (John 18:11).

I had always read that sentence with the emphasis on the cup: Jesus knew the terribly painful destiny that the Father had planned but was willing to proceed out of obedience. And there is nothing wrong with that reading.

But this morning I read the same sentence but with the emphasis on the word “Father.” I realized that Jesus was saying to Peter, “How could I do anything but accept everything that my Father gives me – since He only knows how to give good things to His children.” And that includes the cup.