Matthew records, “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:36-39)
I have heard this so many times in my life. I didn’t know what He was praying. He’s got another cup to drink. He knows the future, but it will be hard to drink this cup. He’s saying if this could happen another way, Father, don’t let it be My will, let it be Your will, but if it could happen another way, I’m interested. Let this cup pass from Me. And He prays the same thing three times: let this cup pass.
Matthew, Mark and Luke all record the events that took place in the garden. Matthew records that Jesus prays, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, "My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!" Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again.” (Matthew 26:39-44)
Mark and Luke recorded very similar events. Withdrawing again He prayed saying the same thing. And then in Luke it’s recorded, “He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.” (Luke 22:44) “Take this cup away from me…” (Mark 14:36) Jesus knows that this is the will of His Father.
Back to Table of Contents or Proceed to the Next Section of The Fourth Cup & Lamb of God
Printable Version "The 4th Cup Full Audio TRANSCRIPT PDF"