Luke - Thy will be done

Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

The time for suffering and the cross was very near. Jesus asked that it be removed, but not his will, but God's will be done. It is good to pray from the heart, but as Jesus we pray in his will for us. If we pray in his promises we know his will. If in doubt, we ask for his perfect will to be done.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus knew his purpose and he spoke it often to his disciples.

Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

The suffering and death on the cross and rising on the third day, was the plan and purpose of the Father for his son, still he needed his Father's grace. We also need grace to accomplish God's purpose for us.

Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

The devil perhaps was tempting him, telling him lies. We as humans know how this is. In the flesh we sometimes doubt and the things that we see and feel overwhelm us, we are not perfect. The Lord Jesus Christ had no sin, he had faith. His faith was without measure.

Grace came: an angel was sent to strengthen him. How so? With a message from the Father, angels are messengers. Strength comes from God's word. It is the power to overcome the flesh and the devil. A comforting presence of a spiritual being, to show that he would soon be returning to the Spiritual place of his Father. He came from heaven and would return again, perhaps the angel was affirming this to him?

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Knowing the intense pain that was coming, made him suffer in the flesh for concern of what was coming. It is a natural thing to dread something that is coming. I believe the spirit was preparing him ahead of time. It is good to be strengthened in the spirit for what is coming from the devil. The Spirit warns us of impending conflicts, if we listen. Jesus was listening in prayer and he was not to be surprised, he would go ahead with this most difficult completion of his ministry.

We must go ahead in our service and purpose, even if it means death, for Jesus is our example. The word of God and His Spirit will overcome this life.

Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
Luke 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Sleeping for sorrow? They were told to pray, but did not. To disobey the Lord, brings sorrow, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Why were they not praying for strength? Jesus prayed alone and would face the cross alone. He speaks again to his disciples, to learn to pray, to prevent temptation and to be prepared for satan's trials. The time had run out, satan approached them.