| Christian Life and Doctrine | March 1968 |
Gethsemane’s Cup
IN THE Bible, a cup is used both in the literal and figurative senses, In the figurative sense it may represent something good or blessed, as in the Twenty-third Psalm: “My cup runneth over.” More often, a cup represents experiences of a: more difficult nature, as indicated when Jesus asked two of his disciples, “Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” (Matt. 20:23) Here Jesus used the symbols of the cup and of baptism to illustrate his own sacrificial life, which represented the Father’s will for him. That the drinking of this cup and the carrying out of this baptism entailed a difficult course was brought out by the Master’s added words: “And how am I straitened [Margin: ‘pained’] till it be accomplished!”—Luke 12:50
From a study of the Old Testament Scriptures, Jesus was aware, in advance, of many of the experiences which would come to him in the drinking of this cup. For example, he stated: “Ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.” (Matt. 26:2) It was at the passover season that the lamb was slain, and without question Jesus recognized that he was the antitypical Lamb of God which John the Baptist said “taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) From the time features of the passover type, Jesus knew both the day and the hour in which he would be slain.—Exod. 12:6
Jesus also quoted from Isaiah 53:12; applying to himself the expression “numbered with the transgressors.” (Luke 22;37) This entire fifty-third chapter spoke prophetically of him. Numbers 21:9 (quoted by Jesus in John 3:14) and Deuteronomy 21:22,23. probably indicated to Jesus the form that his death would take—that of crucifixion (see also John 12:32,33). No doubt these were some of the Holy Scriptures that Jesus had in mind when he said, “This that is written must yet be accomplished in me … for the things concerning me have an end.”—Luke 22:37
All of these were matters in which Jesus was instructed by the Scriptures, and he willingly followed their leadings, as we read, “Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth.” (John 18:4) He asked, with the obvious answer, “The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11) Again his words, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.” (John 12:27) Jesus was fully dedicated to the doing of his Father’s will even where it involved hardship, suffering, and death; this he made very plain. He was willing to drink the cup which the Father had given him.
In the Garden
In view of Jesus’ acquaintance with many of the details of his death and his complete dedication to the Father’s will, some have wondered about a statement made during the early part of his Passion. Having finished the Last Supper, Jesus took his disciples over the brook Cedron, to a nearby place where there was a garden. This was the Garden of Gethsemane, situated on the side of the Mount of Olives just outside the city of Jerusalem, where Jesus frequently retired with his followers. After instructing his closest companions—Peter, James, and John—to watch and pray, Jesus drew apart for private reflection and communion with the Father. In this, his most difficult hour, Jesus preferred to be alone. Who was there that could fully appreciate the ordeal he was about to go through? As it is written, “Of the people there was none with me.”—Isa. 63:3
Moments earlier Jesus had said to his disciples, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.” (Matt. 26:38) Now he fell upon his face and began to pray in great earnest. His request was brief, but the answer seemed to tarry. Three times, with equal intensity, Jesus uttered his prayer. To this day some find his words difficult to understand: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”—Matt. 26:39
What was this cup, this particular cup which Jesus desired be removed from him? Whatever it represented, it certainly was a matter that weighed most heavily upon our Lord. The terrible intensity of the mental anguish which he experienced in Gethsemane is fully attested to by the Gospel writers. Mark writes that Jesus “began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; and saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death.” (Mark 14:33,34) And returning to Matthew’s account, we read that Jesus “began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.”—Matt. 26:37,38
The word “sorrowful” in the expression “began to be sorrowful” is from a Greek word meaning “to dissolve”; that is, exquisite sorrow, such as dissolves the natural vigor and threatens to separate the soul (the sentient being) from life. The word “heavy” in the phrase “and very heavy” is from a word which means “overwhelmed with anguish.” It is used by the Greeks to denote the most extreme anguish that the soul can feel—excruciating anxiety and torture of spirit. The expression “My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death” might then be paraphrased thus: My being is so dissolved in sorrow and my spirit filled with such agony and anguish, that if help is not given to my body, death must be the consequence.
The very word “Gethsemane” seems to reflect the bitter trial which our Lord encountered there. The name signifies “press of oils” or the “oil-press place,” undoubtedly because olives from the surrounding grove were there pressed to extract the valuable oil. This, then, became the very site of our Master’s agony, the place where he was put to the test and his soul so pressed with anxiety that his very life was in danger of being extinguished.
A Possible Interpretation
The first thought that may tend to enter the mind regarding the meaning of the cup in Matthew 26:39, one which has been advanced by many, is that it referred to Jesus’ impending death. Jesus, after all, was a human being. Might not this have been merely an expression of his humanity, that is the natural and instinctive fear that all men have of death, and the desire to avoid it if at all possible? Perhaps there was another way by which the Heavenly Father could accomplish his plan of salvation for the human race, without requiring the sacrifice of his own dear Son.
This thesis, however, we reject as being wholly untenable. As already pointed out, Jesus was fully aware of the Father’s plans and purposes. As the Logos, he had agreed to come to the earth to be transformed from a spirit being into human flesh, for the very purpose of laying down his life as a substitutionary sacrifice for Adam. It had long been determined that the death of the Redeemer would be an absolute necessity for carrying forward this phase of the Father’s plan. Earlier, we noted how Jesus specifically predicted that his death was imminent and acknowledged that he had been selected for this very purpose—to lay down his life as the ransom price for sinful man, represented in Adam.—Matt. 20:38
Since he had thus already expressed his willingness to drink of this cup which the Father had poured, it would be inconsistent with his own character and the resoluteness of purpose demonstrated throughout his ministry now to pray that it be removed. Having stated, “This that is written must be accomplished in me,” would he now be requesting that it should not be accomplished in him? After asking the two disciples if they were able to drink “the cup that I shall drink of,” was he now asking that he himself should not be required to drink, it? Neither of these alternatives appears to be reasonable. So, we are forced to conclude that the cup Jesus desired removed could not have been illustrative of his death.
A Suggested Meaning
What, then, would represent a more reasonable explanation of Gethsemane’s cup? We suggest an interpretation containing two elements—the first of which our Heavenly Father required Jesus to drink to the fullest; the other, one which was entirely removed.
As the evening hours of Jesus’ last earthly day began to pass away (by Jewish reckoning, this day would have begun at six o’clock in the evening), Jesus’ thoughts no doubt began to center upon the circumstances that would surround his death. He knew that he had lived a righteous and upright life in the sight of God and all men. Yet he knew also according to the Scriptures that he must die and that this death would be brought about by crucifixion. In order for him to be thus condemned by any tribunal, whether Jewish or Roman, his enemies would have to misrepresent his character and his teachings. Somehow they would have to make it appear that he was the vilest of criminals and a blasphemer of the true God. He had already been falsely accused at various times by different individuals, but what was now approaching was to be a public spectacle, where he would be arraigned before all men, both great and small.
Crucifixion was one of the most agonizing methods of inducing death ever devised by man: Immediately after being condemned, the prisoner was brutally scourged. At the place of execution, he was stripped of his clothing and fastened to the cross, sometimes with cords, other times with actual nails. Adding to the suffering was the fact that the prisoner was usually hung on the cross very close to the ground, permitting him to be directly exposed to the jeers and insults of the passers-by.
Crucifixion was considered such a horrible and humiliating form of death that it was reserved for the very lowest class of criminals. The pains of death were protracted for an especially long period by this method, sometimes lasting for days. The English word “excruciating” literally means “from the cross.” Death was finally brought on by the utter exhaustion, hunger, and thirst of the victim and sometimes was accelerated by the breaking of his legs.
For Jesus, such a death by crucifixion would carry with it, in the minds of many, a double significance: first, it would imply that he was a criminal in the sight of his fellow men—those whom he loved so dearly, to whom he had ministered so unselfishly, and for whom he was actually laying down his life. Secondly, it would also carry with it the thought that he was accursed of God, being punished as a blasphemer and one, who had dishonored the name of Jehovah.. This was to be his lot, Jesus could see, even though he had endeavored throughout his entire ministry to magnify and honor the name of his Father in all that he said and did. What a fate for one who had come to earth for the very purpose of demonstrating God’s love, of glorifying His name, and of providing redemption and salvation for the human race! No wonder Jesus was overcome with, anguish and grief as he contemplated the scene that lay just ahead.
Did this indicate weakness on Jesus’ part, or a lack of courage? No! Looking back upon his ministry, we see how thoroughly Jesus was dedicated to the accomplishment of the Father’s purpose and the tremendous determination and will power that marked his efforts. Time and again he had shown no fear of the authorities as he taught the people, and on many occasions had found it necessary to speak out openly against them. However we interpret Jesus’ request to have the cup removed, surely, then, it could not contain an element of weakness or lack of courage.
Our Lord’s reaction to Gethsemane’s cup was that of one possessed of perfect virtue and of an infinite capacity for love and justice. These would combine to make him keenly aware of the shame that death by crucifixion would heap upon him and of the unjust nature of the accusations. Possessed as he was also of such perfect sensibilities and tender feelings, he would be especially susceptible to the cruel pain and physical suffering of the cross. But above all else was the thought that he was to be slain as a blasphemer and opponent of God—the One whom he loved so supremely and whose character he had revealed. This seemed almost too much for the Master to bear.
It was this shame and ignominy which attached to death by crucifixion and the wholly unjust suggestion that he was accursed of God, that we consider the primary aspect of Gethsemane’s cup. In his petition to the Father, Jesus was merely requesting that, if it were possible, his impending death be brought about in some other way than to bring such disgrace upon One who had been so faithful in revealing the Father and leading men to him. Let us not fail to take note that in this request, as fervently as the desire was expressed by the Master, it was accompanied by the qualifying words, “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.”
Why, we may ask, did the Heavenly Father require that his dear Son pass through such an experience? The answer is provided in Hebrews 5:8, where we read: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” Even our Lord Jesus, who was perfect after the flesh, was in need of developing absolute obedience to the Father, obedience which could come only through suffering. The Apostle Paul further related obedience to the ignominious path of the cross when he wrote: “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death;” yes, “even the death of the cross.”—Phil. 2:8
What an extreme test of the loyalty of heart of Jesus, and yet how necessary too in the divine purpose! Let us remember that such tests of absolute obedience to the divine will are required not alone of Jesus, but of the church as well. Both are heirs of God, and destined for positions of great trust and responsibility in regenerating the human race to perfection. Both will be endued with the divine nature which, unlike that possessed by even angels, is not subject to death and represents inherent life of the very highest order. Only those who have proven themselves thoroughly loyal to the Father, even under the most adverse circumstances, will be elevated to such a position of honor and trust.
Strength from on High
Returning now to the garden scene, we find Jesus at first uncertain of his own willingness to participate in the ominous events which lay just ahead. This presented the opportune time to meditate upon the matter and to implore the Father’s guidance. Hence we find it was no less than three times that Jesus lifted his heart in prayer, earnestly seeking to know the full extent of the Father’s will for him.
A careful reading of the words which the Master uttered reveals a progressive tone therein. In the first prayer the sequence of phrases indicates some highlighting, at least, of his own preference: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matt. 26:39) But notice how this request was modified in his last two prayers and how full submission to the Father’s will became dominant: “O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” (verses 42 and 44) Yes, at the end, Jesus was fully resolved to accept the Father’s will, to which he then obediently submitted.
His period of intimate communion with the Father then over, Jesus gave every evidence that he had received the answer and the strength which he sought. With resoluteness he awakened the disciples and prepared them for his arrest and betrayal just at hand. Already they could hear the commotion of the approaching band of officers and men, Judas at their head. Yet throughout the difficult hours of the night and the day which followed, Jesus exhibited no fear or concern. Even under the most trying circumstances, he remained calm and at ease. His concern was no longer for himself but centered now upon those around him and upon their welfare. How dramatically we see the power of prayer thus illustrated for us in the crucial hours of our Lord’s trial!
The Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus, “for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross” and despised the shame, for which cause he was set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:2) According to Strong’s Concordance, the word “despised” in this text means “to think against; disesteem.” This suggests to our mind that as a result of his moments of prayer and communion with the Father, Jesus was able to ignore utterly the impending shame which was to be heaped upon him, knowing that it was God’s will for him and therefore that good would accrue from it. Further, since the shame would be brought on charges which were wholly without foundation, he would refuse to let the experience bear him down, and he would “think against” it. The strength to do this came in large measure, we believe, from his earnest prayer and his complete acquiescence to the will of God. So, upon leaving the garden he said, “The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”—John 18:11
As Hebrews 12:2 suggests, Jesus must also have been reminded of the great joy and privilege which awaited him in the future—that of being God’s instrument in restoring the lost world of mankind to perfection and harmony with him. As Isaiah wrote, “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied.”—Isa. 53;11
An Additional Meaning
We believe that there was another aspect to this cup, one which the Heavenly Father in his goodness saw fit to take away. Throughout the course of his earthly ministry Jesus enjoyed a most intimate relationship with the Father. To the very end Jesus appeared confident that he had carried out the will of his Father fully and completely. Just prior to entering the Garden he had prayed: “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gayest me to do. … I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gayest me. … I have given unto them the words which thou gayest me.”—John 17:4,6,8
Jesus also seemed wholly assured that the Father would grant him a future life and restore him. to his previous position of glory: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.” And earlier he had prayed, “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”—John 17:24,5
This was but the natural result of a remarkable incident that occurred just a short time earlier, an event that must have strengthened Jesus’ assurance that he would prove faithful unto death and be highly exalted. This account is found in John 12:23-33. Jesus said: “The hour is come, that the Son man should be glorified. … Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. … Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.”
We notice from the context of these verses that Jesus was speaking of the hour of his death. As a result of his faithfulness even unto the death of the cross, the most important phase of God’s plan of salvation was to be carried forward. The ransom price for Adam’s sin was about to be provided. The successful accomplishment of this act was to bring glory to the name of the Father. The voice from heaven gave unmistakable assurance that Jesus’ death would bring this about.
Jesus’ response to this voice was also very revealing. He said. “This voice came not because of me [that is, I was not particularly in need of this assurance], but for your sakes [that is, for the benefit of you who are listening to me].” This miraculous demonstration was provided to emphasize the significant role Jesus was carrying out in the plan of God. There was not so much as the slightest hint or suggestion here that Jesus might have come short in any respect thus far in his mission.
But as we again enter the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, we notice that this note of confidence seems to have waned. Suddenly, in contemplation of all that went before in his ministry, Jesus now appeared to be somewhat uncertain. Without question, Satan, the master tempter, took advantage of this occasion to accost our Lord. Just as at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry Satan had arisen to tempt him in the wilderness and then had “departed from him for a season” (Luke 4:13), now it appears he had returned at the final hour. This time his message was not to say, “If thou be the Son of God …,” but seemingly to suggest doubt as to the success of his mission.
This thought might be implied from Hebrews 12:3,4, where we are asked to consider Jesus and what he endured. We are then reminded that we have not “resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” The Greek word for striving denotes “to struggle against; to strive against; to contend with an adversary.” True, this struggle had gone on continually to some extent, but it appears quite reasonable that the season of Satan’s departure was now past and that Jesus was to be submitted to another special temptation from the Adversary. Where but in the Garden of Gethsemane was this final struggle, this striving against the Adversary, and the resisting unto blood so graphically portrayed?
What might some of these doubts have been which Satan saw fit to inject into the mind of our Lord? Jesus’ ministry was now at its close. He had done a good work, certainly. But had he actually fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law and carried out that which had been written beforehand? Had he been perfect in every thought, word, and deed? Had he pleased the Heavenly Father completely, as his representative and spokesman? And would he on the morrow be able to continue unflinchingly to perform his role, even in the face of the added shame and ignominy, to the very end?
Might he not have failed, perhaps in some slight particular, and thus be accounted unworthy in the Father’s sight? Would he not then lose everything that he hoped for, including the joy of restoring the lost race, and even his own future life? This uncertainty regarding a possible shortcoming in his ministry, intensified by all the arts and cunning that the Adversary was able to command, must certainly have weighed additionally upon our Lord. No wonder his heart was burdened with such sorrow that he fell down and offered up strong tears and crying unto him who was able to save from death, by a resurrection!
Let us now consider the answer to this prayer, as it came to Jesus. The appearance of the angel who strengthened him is mentioned only in the Luke account, and since the passage there is of doubtful authenticity* we shall not entertain this thought here. Turning to Hebrews 5:7 we read: “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death … was heard in that he feared [Margin: ‘for his piety’].” The Greek word for “heard” in this text occurs but five times in the New Testament, and in all cases the thought is of being heard favorably. We believe that Jesus was heard favorably and answered.
*Luke 22:43,44 is omitted in the following Greek manuscripts: the Vatican, the Alexandrian, and the Washington. It is also omitted in the oldest papyri, going back to the second century. While it is found in the Sinaitic manuscript, it is omitted in the oldest correction of the Sinaitic. Otherwise it can be found only in manuscripts dating from the sixth century and onward.
From this prayer Jesus derived the strength, the assurance, and the comfort he needed to become wholly victorious, yes, more than a conqueror. Through his communion with the Father he was able to overcome the temptation of Satan and to regain the assurance that he had been entirely faithful. He may well have been reminded of the Father’s own words to the effect that his name would be glorified again as a result of the faithfulness of his dear Son in laying down his life as a ransom for all. Jesus was faithful to the very end. Hallelujah! what a Savior!
The Lesson for Us
We believe that in the providences of God, Gethsemane experiences are permitted to come upon us all. The Adversary is our main foe. At times he succeeds in breaking through our defenses, to plant seeds of discouragement within us. In one way or another, he would like to make us think that the trials and besetments of the Christian way will be too much for us, that we will not be able to bear up under the difficulties, and that we might just as well cease our efforts.
For one who has sacrificed all of his earthly hopes in favor of the heavenly, this trial could be most severe indeed. If the Adversary can succeed in any measure in preventing the Lord’s people from beholding the Father’s face and appreciating the greatness of their own calling and their own present position in it, how helpless it could leave them!
What is the course that should be followed at such a time of special testing? It should be the one that was demonstrated by our Lord: to draw apart from everything for a time, to seek the sweet communion with the Father, in quiet prayer and meditation. Let us unburden our hearts to him, mention the difficulties of the way which seem too great for us, and look to him for guidance and help.
Let us be reminded of God’s precious promises to us and of the many assurances he has provided in his Word. Let us be confident that if we are seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, these promises will find their literal fulfillment in our lives. Let us thus draw upon the tremendous resources of God which are available to us through communion and prayer.
In contemplating the lessons of the Garden of Gethsemane, may we realize that now, as never before, we are in need of following our Lord’s example. In addition to being on guard against all the wiles of the Adversary, let us also be wary of the allurements of the world and all unreasonable demands of the flesh. But above all else, let us remember our blessed privilege of prayer, of seeking the face of our Father, and of receiving from him the encouragement and help we need. Only by this means can we be fully shielded from those temptations which would otherwise be too great for us.
There is a wonderful experience awaiting all those who will conscientiously do as Jesus did. That experience will be to enjoy the peace which pervaded the final hours of his earthly life. And what a rich portion of divine blessing that will be!