Mark 14:36

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Mark 14:36 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the account of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before His arrest and crucifixion. It follows His request that, if possible, the hour might pass from Him (Mark 14:35). Here, Jesus speaks directly to His Father, revealing both His deep anguish and His complete trust.

Meaning

Jesus begins His prayer by addressing God as “Abba, Father.” The word “Abba” is an intimate Aramaic term for father, expressing a close, personal relationship. The Greek word “Father” (Pater) explains it, highlighting the deep connection and trust Jesus had with His heavenly Father.

In the phrase “all things are possible unto thee,” Jesus acknowledges the unlimited power and sovereignty of God. He recognizes that nothing is impossible for God, emphasizing His trust in God’s ability to do anything.

When Jesus asks, “take away this cup from me,” He expresses His desire for an alternative path. The “cup” is a metaphor for the impending suffering and crucifixion, a cup of suffering and judgment. This request reveals Jesus’ humanity and His natural aversion to the pain and agony He knew He would endure.

The final clause, “nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt,” is the central point of the verse. Despite His plea, Jesus surrenders His own will to the will of God. He demonstrates complete submission and obedience to the Father’s plan, acknowledging that God’s will should prevail over His own desires.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in Matthew 26:39 frames the request with the condition “if it be possible.” While the removal of the cup was possible in itself, it was not possible under the circumstances of God’s redemptive plan. God’s purposes, counsel, covenant, and the salvation of His people required that the cup be drunk.

Application

This verse highlights the dual nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. He experiences genuine anguish and expresses His personal desires while acknowledging the supremacy of God’s will.

Jesus’ acknowledgment of God’s omnipotence teaches us to trust in God’s ability to do the impossible. When we face challenges or overwhelming circumstances, we can rely on God’s unlimited power and seek His intervention.

Jesus’ surrender to God’s will serves as a powerful example for believers. It demonstrates the importance of aligning our desires and plans with God’s purposes, even when it may involve personal sacrifice or hardship. It encourages us to submit to God’s leading, trusting that His plans are ultimately for our good.

Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane exemplifies the significance of earnest and heartfelt prayer. It shows that we can bring our deepest concerns, fears, and desires before God, knowing that He listens and responds according to His wisdom and perfect timing.

Reflection

Mark 14:36 reveals Jesus’ profound trust in God, His willingness to submit to God’s will, and the example He sets for believers to trust in God’s power and surrender their own desires. It teaches us about the humanity and divinity of Jesus and the importance of prayer in our relationship with God.