This is the only first-hand account we have of Jesus Christ describing what it was like for Him to atone for the sins of all mankind:
“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit
“—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink.” (D&C 19:18)
The final phrase of that scripture has always stood out to me.
Because the Savior of the world, faced with a truly painful and unpleasant task, asked not to have to face it.
At that moment, He did not want to drink the extremely bitter cup that had been placed before Him.
It is okay to ask.
It is okay to ask for our pains and sorrows to be taken away.
For our trials to end.
For our miracles to transform us.
But then, our perfect example said:
“Nevertheless, glory be to the Father.”(D&C 19:19)
Nevertheless…
God’s will be done.
We can ask for what we want…
While also submitting to the Father’s will if it is different from ours.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to not always love whatever life throws at me.
I can wish and pray that it was different.
But ultimately, I have found the most peace when I give glory to my Father, no matter the circumstances.
And when I do hard things, the greatest blessings await on the other side.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
2 Responses
In my study this morning of Come Follow Me, D&C 19, I discovered a deeper understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in verse 20, where he commanded Martin Harris, (and surely Joseph Smith would also have sensed this deeper understanding, and likely suffered in similar fashion), when Jesus Christ commanded “again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments (footnote also describes the punishment as despair). And then, Jesus Christ comments of that suffering Martin experienced which I believe to Martin was vastly unbearable, terrible, and immense, where Jesus Christ ways, “which suffering of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit” (loss of the Holy Ghost in the footnote, which degree of suffering he had only barely tasted!). That is telling more fully how IMMENSE, and INFINITE the suffering that Jesus Christ suffered was, far beyond any man’s and even any prophet’s ability to fully comprehend!
Thank you for sharing these insights!