Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 12:27

"Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause came I unto this hour." — John 12:27 (ASV)

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

There was a conflict in the Savior's heart—the weakness of his true manhood striving with the strength of his infinite affection for his people, and also for his Father. We must never forget that He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. If it had been no pain for him to die as the Substitute for sinners, there would have been no atoning sacrifice in his death; and if no dread had overtaken him at the thought of death, it would have proved that he did not die as we do. Therefore, he would not have been able to take our place as he did.

Notice how the Savior speaks of the struggle that was going on in his soul: What shall I say? Do you ever have to ask that question when you are trying to pray? If so, do not be astonished, for even your Lord and Master said the same.

What shall I say?—as if he paused to consider what form his prayer should take—Shall I say, Father, save me from this hour?

No; but I will say, For this cause came I unto this hour.

Now is my soul troubled;

Or, puzzled. This hour of His glory was the hour of His passion, too.

Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Nature suggests the cry, Father, save me from this hour. Grace comes behind the flesh, being a little slower to speak; but it corrects the errors of the flesh, and says, For this cause came I unto this hour.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Often, my brothers, we should be checked in prayer if we are to be as wise as our Lord. "What shall I say? Shall I ask to be delivered from sickness? Shall I ask that I may not endure the troubles, which are the common lot of men? Shall I pray to be screened from persecution?" You see, I am rendering our Lord's question into our language, bringing it down from the lofty height of his divine thought to the level of our poor humanity.

We must often pause before we pray, and say with our Lord, For this cause came I unto this hour. Have I not been brought here on purpose to suffer? Have I not been led to this place that I may glorify God by submitting to all his will?

Therefore, sometimes let us check ourselves in prayer, lest we ask what is not for our own good or for God's glory.

The next word of the Savior will give us enough liberty, for he went on to say—

And what shall I say?

Such sorrow was in His heart that He asked, "What shall I say?"

Great trouble brings astonishment, amazement, and bewilderment with it; and the human soul of Christ felt as ours feels when in great agony.