Mark 14:36 Study Bible: He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire."

◄ Mark 14:36 ►

"Abba, Father," He said, "all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will."

Study Bible

“Abba, Father,” He said,

Jesus prayed to God with the intimate trust of the eternal Son addressing His Father. Mark preserves the Aramaic word Abba alongside its translation, Father, revealing the personal closeness of Jesus’ relationship with God even in His deepest anguish. Through Christ, believers who receive the Spirit of adoption may also cry, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6).

Rom 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery…
Gal 4:6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son…
Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father…

“all things are possible for You.

The Father possesses unlimited power and rules over every circumstance, including the events unfolding in Gethsemane. The God who created heaven and earth can accomplish all that accords with His holy purpose, as He demonstrated in His promises to Abraham and in His sovereignty over Israel’s history (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17).

Mrk 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,…
Mat 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible…
Luk 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

Take this cup from Me.

The cup represents the suffering Jesus would bear and the judgment against sin that He would endure as the substitute for His people. Old Testament prophets used the image of a cup for God’s wrath against sin (Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15). Jesus’ request reveals the full reality of His humanity as He faced betrayal, abandonment, crucifixion, and the burden of sin.

Mat 26:39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed,…
Jhn 18:11 “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter.…
Isa 51:17 Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk…

Yet not what I will, but what You will.”

Jesus did not resist the Father in unbelief; He willingly submitted His human will to the saving purpose of God. In contrast to Adam’s disobedience, Jesus obeyed where humanity had failed. His surrender fulfilled the pattern of the Suffering Servant who gave Himself for sinners (Isaiah 53) and opened the way for redemption through His death.

Luk 22:42 Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me.…
Jhn 5:30 I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just,…
Jhn 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying to God the Father. This moment reveals His humanity and divinity as He faces the impending crucifixion.

2. God the Father
Referred to as "Abba, Father" by Jesus, highlighting the intimate relationship between Jesus and God. This term "Abba" is an Aramaic word for father, expressing deep personal connection and trust.

3. The Garden of Gethsemane
The location where Jesus prays before His arrest. It is a place of deep spiritual struggle and submission to God's will.

4. The Cup
Symbolic of the suffering and wrath that Jesus is about to endure on the cross. It represents the burden of sin and the separation from God that He will experience.

5. The Disciples
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are nearby, struggling to stay awake and pray with Jesus, highlighting human weakness in contrast to Jesus' obedience.

Teaching Points

Intimacy with God
Jesus' use of "Abba, Father" encourages believers to cultivate a personal and intimate relationship with God, approaching Him with trust and reverence.

Submission to God's Will
Jesus models perfect submission to God's will, even in the face of immense suffering. Believers are called to seek God's will above their own desires.

The Power of Prayer
In times of distress, prayer is a powerful tool for seeking strength and aligning our will with God's. Jesus' example shows the importance of earnest prayer.

Facing Trials with Faith
Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane teaches us to face our trials with faith, trusting that God is sovereign and His plans are for our ultimate good.

Understanding Suffering
The "cup" represents suffering that is sometimes part of God's plan. Believers can find comfort in knowing that Jesus understands our struggles and has overcome them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' use of "Abba, Father" in His prayer influence your understanding of your relationship with God?

2. In what ways can you practice submission to God's will in your daily life, especially when facing difficult situations?

3. How does Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane encourage you to approach God in your own times of distress or decision-making?

4. What are some "cups" or challenges in your life that you need to bring before God in prayer, seeking His will?

5. How can the example of Jesus' obedience and trust in God inspire you to persevere through trials and suffering?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 26:39
This parallel account in Matthew provides additional context to Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, emphasizing His submission to the Father's will.

Romans 8:15
Paul uses "Abba, Father" to describe the believer's relationship with God, showing that through Christ, we too can have an intimate relationship with God.

Philippians 2:8
This verse speaks of Jesus' obedience unto death, even death on a cross, which is the ultimate fulfillment of His prayer in Gethsemane.

Hebrews 5:7-8
These verses describe Jesus' prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears, emphasizing His reverence and obedience.

Sermons

The Cup of Experience	A. Rowland	Mark 14:36
The Betrayal by Judas	J.J. Given	Mark 14:1-11, 18-21, 43-50
Betrayal	R. Green	Mark 14:10, 11, 17-21, 43-52
The Agony in Gethsemane	J.J. Given	Mark 14:26-42
Peter's Fall	R. Green	Mark 14:27-31, 66-72
Blessings Through Christ's Soul Agony	H. Melvill, B. D.	Mark 14:32-36
Christ in Gethsemane	J. H. Hitchens.	Mark 14:32-36
Christ, Our Sin Bearer	J. H. Evans, M. A.	Mark 14:32-36
Christ's Agony of Soul	H. Melvill, B. D.	Mark 14:32-36
Christ's Sorrow and Desertion	H. Melvill, B. D.	Mark 14:32-36
Companionship in Sorrow	H. Clay Trumbull.	Mark 14:32-36
Complete Resignation		Mark 14:32-36
Gethsemane	The Preacher's Monthly	Mark 14:32-36
Instance of Resignation		Mark 14:32-36
Jesus in Gethsemane	H. L. B. Speare.	Mark 14:32-36
Resignation	R. N. Cust.	Mark 14:32-36
The Conflict in Gethsemane	Charles Stanford, D. D.	Mark 14:32-36
The Prayer in Gethsemane	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Mark 14:32-36
The Sufferings of the Good	Norman Macleod.	Mark 14:32-36
Gethsemane	R. Green	Mark 14:32-42
Gethsemane	E. Johnson	Mark 14:32-42
The Agony in the Garden	A.F. Muir	Mark 14:32-42

People

James, Jesus, John, Judas, Peter, Simon

Places

Bethany, Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives

Topics

Abba, Cup, Desire, Desirest, Howbeit, However, Nevertheless, Pass, Please, Pleasure, Possible, Remove, Saying, Suffering, Wilt, Yet, Yours

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Mark 14:36

     1075   God, justice of
     1105   God, power of
     1175   God, will of
     1250   Abba
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     2036   Christ, humility
     2057   Christ, obedience
     2075   Christ, sinless
     2078   Christ, sonship of
     2218   Christ, Son of God
     2327   Christ, as servant
     2525   Christ, cross of
     4435   drinking
     5283   cup
     5374   languages
     5564   suffering, of Christ
     5700   headship
     5959   submission
     6604   acceptance, human
     8125   guidance, promise
     8441   goals
     8454   obedience, to God
     8462   priority, of God
     8475   self-denial
     8603   prayer, relationship with God
     8605   prayer, and God's will
     8737   evil, responses to

Mark 14:32-39

2570 Christ, suffering

Mark 14:32-40

8613 prayer, persistence

Mark 14:32-41

2360 Christ, prayers of

Mark 14:32-42

5537 sleeplessness
6252 temptation, and Christ

Mark 14:33-39

5559 stress

Mark 14:34-36

2054 Christ, mind of

Mark 14:34-37

5946 sensitivity

Mark 14:35-36

     1115   God, purpose of
     5379   law, Christ's attitude
     8481   self-sacrifice

Mark 14:35-41

2575 Christ, temptation

Library

July 28 Evening
Let your requests be made known unto God.--PHIL. 4:6. Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.--There was given to me a thorn in the flesh. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 18 Evening
She hath done what she could.--MARK 14:8. This poor widow hath cast in more than they all.--Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.--If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.--If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 7 Evening
Jesus . . . was moved with compassion toward them.--MATT. 14:14. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.--We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.--Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.--He cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

'Is it I?'
'Is it I?'--Mark xiv. 19 The scene shows that Judas had not as yet drawn any suspicion on himself. Here the Apostles seem to be higher than their ordinary stature; for they do not take to questioning one another, or even to protest, 'No!' but to questioning Christ. I. The solemn prophecy. It seems strange at first sight that our Lord should have introduced such thoughts then, disturbing the sweet repose of that hallowed hour. But the terrible fact of the betrayal was naturally suggested by the emblems …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sleeping Apostle
'Simon, sleepest thou!'--Mark xiv. 37 It is a very old Christian tradition that this Gospel is in some sense the Apostle Peter's. There are not many features in the Gospel itself which can be relied on as confirming this idea. Perhaps one such may be found in this plaintive remonstrance, which is only preserved for us here. Matthew's Gospel, indeed, tells us that the rebuke was addressed to Peter, but blunts the sharp point of it as directed to him, by throwing it into the plural, as if spoken to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Secret Rendezvous
'And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the pastorer, His disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the passover? 13. And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples? …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The New Passover
'And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passover, the disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the Passover? 13. And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with My disciples? …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Strong Crying and Tears'
'And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and He saith to His disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33. And He taketh with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34. And saith onto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35. And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him
'And immediately, while He yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44. And he that betrayed Him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He; take Him, and lead Him away safely. 45. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to Him, and saith, Master, Master; and kissed Him. 46. And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him. 47. And one of them that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Condemnation which Condemns the Judges
'And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put Him to death; and found none. 56. For many bare false witness against Him, but their witness agreed not together. 57. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against Him, saying, 58. We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. 59. But neither so did their witness agree together. 60. And the high priest stood up in their …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Alabaster Box
'And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me.... 8. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint My body to the burying. 9. Verily I say unto you. Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.'--Mark xiv. 6-9. John's Gospel sets this incident in its due framework of time and place, and tells us the names of the actors. The time was within a week …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Questions About the Lord's Supper
THE paper which begins at this page requires a few words of prefatory explanation. It consists of fifty-one questions about the Lord's Supper, with special reference to points which are the subject of much dispute and controversy in the present day. It supplies fifty-one answers to these questions, chiefly drawn from the New Testament, and the Articles, Communion Service, and Catechism of the Church of England. It contains, in addition, some valuable extracts from the writings of standard English …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

That He who is About to Communicate with Christ Ought to Prepare Himself with Great Diligence
The Voice of the Beloved I am the Lover of purity, and Giver of sanctity. I seek a pure heart, and there is the place of My rest. Prepare for Me the larger upper room furnished, and I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.(1) If thou wilt that I come unto thee and abide with thee, purge out the old leaven,(2) and cleanse the habitation of thy heart. Shut out the whole world, and all the throng of sins; sit as a sparrow alone upon the house-top,(3) and think upon thy transgressions …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Twenty-Eighth Lesson. Father! not what I Will;'
Father! Not what I will;' Or, Christ the Sacrifice. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what Thou wilt.'--Mark xiv. 36. WHAT a contrast within the space of a few hours! What a transition from the quiet elevation of that, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, FATHER I WILL,' to that falling on the ground and crying in agony. My Father! Not what I will.' In the one we see the High Priest within the veil in His …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
"She hath done what she could."--MARK 14:8. MY DEAR SISTER, You doubtless feel a deep interest in the great benevolent enterprises of the present day. No one who possesses the spirit of our Master can be indifferent towards them. It is important, then, that you should know what you can do towards moving forward these enterprises. For, remember that your obligation is as extensive as your ability. Christ commended the woman, referred to in the passage above quoted for doing "what she could." …
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

Mark.
Commentaries. George Petter (the largest Com. on M., London, 1661, 2 vols. fol.); C. Fr. A. Fritzsche (Evangelium Marci, Lips., 1830); A. Klostermann (Das Marcusevangelium nach seinem Quellenwerthe für die evang. Gesch., Göttingen, 1867); B. Weiss (Das Marcusevangelium und seine synopt. Parallelen, Berlin, 1872); Meyer (6th ed. by Weiss, Gött., 1878); Joseph A. Alexander (New York, 1858, and London, 1866); Harvey Goodwin (London, 1860); John H. Godwin (London, 1869); James Morison …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

"She Hath done what She Could. " Mark 14:8.
"She hath done what she could." Mark 14:8. 1 Bless, O bless, Almighty Father, Woman's mission with our race,-- Her fond strivings here to gather Fruits of thy redeeming grace. 2 Though her way be not where honor Wins the gazing world's acclaim, Yet we bless thee that upon her Rests the power of Jesus' name. 3 In that name, O Father, strengthen Her full heart and ready hands; May her efforts serve to lengthen Christian love's encircling bands. 4 Where the mourning and the needy And the suffering …
J.G. Adams—Hymns for Christian Devotion

Jerusalem
For the history of the disciples after the death of Jesus we are dependent upon a single source, the Acts of the Apostles, which can, however, be controlled, and to some extent corrected, by the gospels and by the epistles of Paul. It is now generally recognised that if any one wishes to write a life of Christ he ought to base his work not on the gospels as we have them now, but rather on the information provided by the critical analysis of the gospels as to their sources. These sources, or at least …
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity

Watch and Pray. --Mark. xiv. 38
Watch and Pray.--Mark. xiv. 38. Our Saviour's words are "Watch and Pray:" Lord, make us willing to obey; Lord, make us able to fulfil Thy counsel--give both power and will. The wisdom from above impart, To keep our hand, and tongue, and heart, In thought, word, deed,--that so we may Pray whilst we watch, watch while we pray. Lest while we watch, and fear no snare, We fall into neglect of prayer; Or, while we pray, and watch not, sin Creep like a subtil serpent in. When by an evil world beset, …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

As the Rind of a Pomegranate are Thy Cheeks, Besides that which is Hidden Within.
As the rind of the pomegranate is the least part of it, and includes all its excellence, so with this soul, its exterior appears of small account in comparison with what is concealed within. [42] The interior is filled with, the purest charity and the most advanced graces, but hidden under a very common exterior; for God takes pleasure in hiding away the souls He destines for Himself. Men are not worthy to know them, though the angels admire and respect them even under the humblest external form …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

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