My Father – The Ultimate Surrender to God’s Will

Lesson 23: Character Study of My Father (Matthew 26:39)

Title: My Father – The Ultimate Surrender to God’s Will
Key Verse: "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" (Matthew 26:39)

Introduction:

In one of the most agonizing moments of His earthly life, Jesus prays to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. This lesson focuses on Jesus’ relationship with His Father and His ultimate surrender to God's will. It highlights the depth of His obedience, suffering, and trust in the divine plan of redemption.

Section 1: Who Is My Father?

• Occupation: God, the Creator, and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:16).
• Marital Status: Not applicable—God is eternal and self-sufficient.
• Setting and Place Lived: Heaven, ruling over all creation (Psalm 103:19).
• Known For: 
• Being the Almighty God, the Father of Jesus Christ.
• Loving the world and sending His Son for salvation (John 3:16).
• Being sovereign, holy, and just (Isaiah 6:3, Deuteronomy 32:4).
• Offering mercy and grace to those who seek Him (Psalm 86:15).
• Time Frame or Date: Eternal—God exists outside of time (Revelation 1:8).

Section 2: Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: 
• Omniscient (All-Knowing): He knows the past, present, and future (Isaiah 46:10).
• Omnipotent (All-Powerful): Nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37).
• Omnipresent (Everywhere): He is present in all places at all times (Psalm 139:7-10).
• Loving and Merciful: He desires a relationship with His children (1 John 4:8).
• Weaknesses: None—God is perfect in all His ways (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Section 3: Memorable Quotes

• "This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)
• "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
• "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End." (Revelation 22:13)

Section 4: Cross-Reference Scriptures

• John 3:16 – God’s love in sending Jesus.
• Isaiah 55:8-9 – God's ways are higher than ours.
• Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good.
• Hebrews 12:9 – God as the Father of spirits.

Section 5: Name Meanings

• Hebrew Meaning: "Abba" (אָבָּא) – an intimate term for "Father."
• Greek Meaning: "Pater" (πατήρ) – used for "Father" in the New Testament.

Section 6: My Father in Matthew 26:39

This verse captures Jesus’ deep agony and trust in His Father. Facing imminent suffering, He prays for another way but ultimately surrenders to God's perfect plan. It reflects the human struggle of submitting to God's will and the divine resolve to fulfill salvation’s purpose.

Section 7: Legacy and Lessons

• Legacy: God’s role as Father is central to Christianity. His love, justice, and sovereignty shape our faith and relationship with Him.
• Lessons: 
• Submission to God’s Will: Even in suffering, Jesus trusted the Father’s plan (Luke 22:42).
• God’s Love for Humanity: He desires our redemption and relationship with Him (2 Peter 3:9).
• Prayer and Surrender: True faith involves yielding our desires to God's purposes (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• God’s Sovereignty: He is always in control, even when circumstances seem overwhelming (Job 42:2).

Closing:

Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane teaches us the importance of trusting God’s plan, even when it is difficult. We are reminded that our Father in heaven is loving, wise, and sovereign. May we, like Jesus, fully surrender to His will.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect will and unending love. Help us to trust You completely, even in difficult times. May we surrender our lives to You as Jesus did, knowing that Your plans are always good. Amen.

Thank you for exploring this character study with me. May we all learn to trust and submit to God’s will in our lives.