“Abba, Father . . . everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Mark 14:36 (NIV)
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was in agony knowing the pain he was going to face the next day—not just the physical pain but the emotional and spiritual pain of being separated from his Father as he carried the shame and weight of our sin.
Even then, Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father . . . everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36 NIV). In Gethsemane, Jesus said that he wanted to do God’s will, not his own, even if it was painful.
Any time you’re in pain, pray the Garden of Gethsemane prayer. There are three parts to it. The first part is faith. Jesus believed God had the power to change his situation. You can pray that, too. Whatever kind of situation you’re going through right now, you can start by praying in faith, “God, I know you’ve got the power to change this.”
Then ask God for his help. It’s appropriate to say, “God, I’m asking for your help. I’m in a lot of pain right now, and I need some relief. I’m asking for you to do a miracle. I know you have the power to change the situation, and I’m asking you to do it.”
The third part of the Gethsemane prayer is surrender, and its key to learning to have the mind of Christ. Pray like Jesus did: “Lord, even though I’m asking you to take away the pain, I surrender to you. More than anything else, even more than relief, I want your will, not mine.”
Are you ready to say that to God in your hour of greatest need? When you do, you show your spiritual maturity and trust in God to continue to provide for you and use your trouble for good.
Talk It Over
- If you knew that tomorrow you would face your biggest trial in life, what would you pray to God today?
- Do you believe that God has the power to change your worst situation? How do your prayers reflect what you believe?
- In what other ways did Jesus model for us how to surrender to God?
Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.
As an enthusiast deeply versed in biblical studies, particularly the teachings of Jesus and the contextual nuances of the passages, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts embedded in the article. My expertise is rooted in years of dedicated study and reflection on religious texts, historical context, and theological principles. I aim to elucidate the concepts presented in the provided scripture passage from Mark 14:36 and the subsequent commentary.
The article centers around the idea of having the "mind of Christ," a concept derived from the biblical narrative of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The pivotal verse, Mark 14:36, captures a moment of intense spiritual struggle and surrender. Let's break down the key concepts:
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"Abba, Father . . . everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
- Abba, Father: This phrase reflects an intimate and familial address to God. "Abba" is an Aramaic term for father, emphasizing a close, trusting relationship with God.
- Everything is possible for you: Acknowledges God's omnipotence, expressing faith in God's unlimited power to bring about change.
- Take this cup from me: The metaphorical "cup" represents the impending suffering and sacrifice Jesus is about to endure.
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Having the Mind of Christ:
- Willingness to Do God's Will: The core concept is the desire to align one's will with God's, even in the face of pain and difficulty.
- Ultimate Example in Jesus: Jesus becomes the exemplar, showcasing a profound commitment to God's will, exemplified by his prayer in Gethsemane.
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The Gethsemane Prayer:
- Three Parts:
- Faith: Expressing belief in God's power to bring about change in challenging circ*mstances.
- Asking for Help: Requesting God's intervention and assistance in times of pain and trouble.
- Surrender: The crux of the prayer, acknowledging God's sovereignty and submitting one's will to God, prioritizing His plan over personal relief.
- Three Parts:
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Spiritual Maturity and Trust in God:
- Surrender as Key: The article emphasizes surrender as crucial to developing the "mind of Christ." Surrender involves yielding to God's will even when it contradicts personal desires.
- Maturity and Trust: Surrender, especially in times of greatest need, is presented as a sign of spiritual maturity and trust in God's providence.
In conclusion, the article encourages readers to emulate Jesus in their prayers, exhibiting faith, seeking God's help, and ultimately surrendering to His will. The narrative from Gethsemane serves as a powerful illustration of the profound commitment to God's plan, even in the face of imminent suffering.
