Luke 22:42
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 22:42
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Chapter Context
Luke 22 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, worship, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-71: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 22:42
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Analysis
In Gethsemane, Jesus prays: 'Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.' This prayer reveals Jesus' genuine humanity—He shrinks from the horror of the cross, asking if there's another way. The 'cup' represents God's wrath against sin that Jesus will bear (Isaiah 51:17, 22). Yet Jesus immediately submits: 'nevertheless not my will, but thine.' The Greek 'plēn' (πλήν, nevertheless) indicates strong contrast—His desire versus God's will. Perfect obedience means submitting our desires to God's will, even when it means suffering. Jesus models this, choosing the Father's will over His own preferences.
Historical Context
Gethsemane means 'oil press'—fitting location for Jesus' crushing agony. He took Peter, James, and John to watch and pray (v. 40) but they fell asleep (v. 45). Jesus' anguish was so intense that He sweat drops like blood (hematidrosis, v. 44), a rare medical condition under extreme stress. An angel appeared strengthening Him (v. 43). This scene reveals redemption's cost—what Jesus willingly endured to save sinners. His prayer 'remove this cup' showed the cross's horror—not merely physical death but bearing God's wrath and separation from the Father. Yet He chose obedience over comfort, mission over ease.
Reflection
- What does Jesus' prayer to remove the cup while submitting to God's will teach about balancing honest prayer with ultimate submission?
- How does Jesus' choosing the Father's will over His own model proper response when God's will conflicts with our desires?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 40:8, Isaiah 51:22, Matthew 20:22, 26:39, 26:42, Mark 14:36