Mark 14

Read: Mark 14

Mark 14:36  ^“‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’”

Think

It is Thursday night, just before Jesus's crucifixion. The evening has been intense—full of profound teachings, shocking foot washing, the sharing of the Lord's Supper, and Judas's departure. Now, Jesus and the eleven disciples are in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, Jesus prays a heart-wrenching prayer that holds the weight of the world's salvation. The success of his human mission hinges on this moment.

Hebrews 5:7 tells us, “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.” This verse vividly describes Jesus's agony in Gethsemane. Luke 22:44 captures this intensity, noting that his sweat fell like drops of blood. Imagine the depth of his distress—not just facing physical pain but bearing the weight of all humanity's sins. The most excruciating part was knowing that God would have to turn away from him as he took on this burden.

In the garden, Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” An angel appears to strengthen him (Luke 22:41-43). This divine response shows that while the cup of suffering would not be taken away, Jesus would receive the strength to endure it. His prayer shifts from pleading for the cup to pass to seeking the strength to do God’s will.

Jonathan Edwards (1700’s American revivalist) describes this moment beautifully: “This was the greatest act of obedience that Christ was to perform. Jesus did not continue praying for the cup to be removed; instead, he prayed for success in drinking it.” Edwards further explains, “When God set down the bitter portion before him, and let him see what he had to drink, if he persisted in his love to sinners; and brought him to the mouth of the furnace that he might see its fierceness, and have a full view of it, and have time then to consider whether he would go in and suffer the flames of this furnace for such unworthy creatures, or not. This was as it were proposing it to Christ's last consideration what he would do; as much as if it had then been said to him, 'Here is the cup that you are to drink, unless you will give up your undertaking for sinners, and even leave them to perish as they deserve. Will you take this cup, and drink it for them, or not? There is the furnace into which you are to be cast, if they are to be saved; either they must perish, or you must endure this for them. There you see how terrible the heat of the furnace is; you see what pain and anguish you must endure on the morrow unless you give up the cause of sinners. Jesus, what will you do? ‘”

Jesus made his choice and his reverent, earnest prayers were answered. He fulfilled his mission and secured the hope of the gospel for all believers.

Apply

When facing challenges, remember that God’s answer might be to give you the strength to endure rather than remove the difficulty. Lean on his strength and trust in his plan.

Pray

Dear God, thank you for your constant love and faithfulness. Help me to trust in your plan and seek your will above all else. When I face challenges, grant me the strength and courage to endure. Give me strength to go through every trial knowing you are with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.