Mark 14:36
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 14:36
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.
Chapter Context
Mark 14 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, covenant. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
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 21-72: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 14:36
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.
Analysis
Gethsemane's anguish reveals Jesus' humanity and divinity. 'Abba, Father' combines Aramaic intimacy (Abba—'Papa') with Greek formality (Patēr), expressing the relationship's depth. This unique address appears only here in the Gospels (also Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6 describing believers' Spirit-enabled prayer). 'All things are possible unto thee' affirms God's omnipotence—no external constraint limits Him. Yet Jesus prays 'take away this cup,' referring to divine wrath He must drink (see Isaiah 51:17, Jeremiah 25:15). The 'cup' isn't merely physical death but bearing sin's curse and experiencing God-forsakenness. 'Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt' displays perfect submission of human will to divine will. This isn't fatalism but active choosing—Jesus voluntarily accepts the Father's plan. The two wills (human and divine) in one person demonstrates the hypostatic union. This prayer models Christian submission while honestly expressing human emotion and desire.
Historical Context
Gethsemane ('oil press') was an olive grove on the Mount of Olives where Jesus often prayed. The Passover full moon illuminated the garden. Jesus' emotional distress—'exceeding sorrowful unto death' (14:34), falling on ground (14:35), sweating blood (Luke 22:44)—shows genuine human agony. He knew crucifixion's horror from witnessing Roman executions: flogging, public humiliation, hours of suffocating torture, complete abandonment. But the physical suffering paled before spiritual agony: the sinless one becoming sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), experiencing the Father's wrath. The disciples' sleep (14:37, 40, 41) during His greatest need prefigured their scattering (14:50), emphasizing Jesus' isolation. Yet the Father's 'cup' couldn't be removed—no other way existed for redemption.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' honest struggle in prayer give you permission to bring real emotions to God?
- Where do you need to move from 'what I will' to 'what thou wilt' in submitted trust?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Mark 10:27, John 5:30, 12:27, 18:11, Galatians 4:6, Philippians 2:8