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Matthew 26:38
Verse
Context
Sermons
Zac Poonen
Major Ian Thomas
Erlo Stegen
Don Courville
John Nelson Darby
G. Campbell Morgan
Robert HawkerSummary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he went a little further,.... Luke says, Luk 22:41, "about a stone's cast", about fifty or sixty feet from the place where they were, and fell on his face, and prayed; partly to show his great reverence of God, the sword of whose justice was awaked against him, the terrors of whose law were set in array before him, and whose wrath was pouring down upon him; and partly to signify how much his soul was depressed, how low he was brought, and in what distress and anguish of spirit he was, that he was not able to lift up his head, and look up. This was a prayer gesture used when a person was in the utmost perplexity. The account the Jews give of it, is this (g), , "when they fall upon their faces", they do not stretch out their hands and their feet, but incline on their sides. This was not to be done by any person, or at any time; the rules are these (h): "no man is accounted fit , "to fall upon his face", but he that knows in himself that he is righteous, as Joshua; but he inclines his face a little, and does not bow it down to the floor; and it is lawful for a man to pray in one place, and to "fall upon his face" in another: it is a custom that reaches throughout all Israel, that there is no falling upon the face on a sabbath day, nor on feast days, nor on the beginning of the year, nor on the beginning of the month, nor on the feast of dedication, nor on the days of "purim", nor at the time of the meat offering of the eves of the sabbath days, and good days, nor at the evening prayer for every day; and there are private persons that fall upon their faces at the evening prayer, and on the day of atonement only: they fall upon their faces because it is a time of supplication, request, and fasting. Saying, O my father; or, as in Mark, "Abba, Father", Mar 14:36; "Abba" being the Syriac word he used, and signifies, "my father"; and the other word is added for explanation's sake, and to denote the vehemency of his mind, and fervour of spirit in prayer. Christ prayed in the same manner he taught his disciples to pray, saying, "our Father"; and as all his children pray under the influence of the spirit of adoption, whereby they cry "Abba, Father". God is the Father of Christ, not as man, for as such he was without father, being the seed of the woman, and made of a woman, without man; nor by creation, as he is the Father of spirits, of angels, and the souls of men, of Adam, and all mankind; nor by adoption, as he is the Father of all the chosen, redeemed, and regenerated ones; but by nature, he being the only begotten of the Father, in a manner inconceivable and inexpressible by us. Christ now addresses him in prayer in his human nature, as standing in this relation to him as the Son of God, both to express his reverence of him, and what freedom and boldness he might use with him; what confidence he might put in him; and what expectation he might have of being heard and regarded by him; and what submission and resignation of will was due from himself unto him, If it be possible, let this cup pass from me; meaning not only the hour, as it is called in Mark, the present season and time of distress, and horror; but all his future sufferings and death, which were at hand; together with the bearing the sins of his people, the enduring the curse of the law, and the wrath of God, all which were ingredients in, and made up this dreadful bitter cup, this cup of fury, cursing, and trembling; called a cup, either in allusion to the nauseous potions given by physicians to their patients; or rather to the cup of poison given to malefactors the sooner to dispatch them; or to that of wine mingled with myrrh and frankincense to intoxicate them, that they might not feel their pain; see Gill on Mar 15:23, or to the cup appointed by the master of the family to everyone in the house; these sorrows, sufferings, and death of Christ being what were allotted and appointed by his heavenly Father: and when he prays that this cup might pass from him, his meaning is, that he might be freed from the present horrors of his mind, be excused the sufferings of death, and be delivered from the curse of the law, and wrath of God; which request was made without sin, though it betrayed the weakness of the human nature under its insupportable load, and its reluctance to sufferings and death, which is natural; and yet does not represent him herein as inferior to martyrs, who have desired death, and triumphed in the midst of exquisite torments: for their case and his were widely different; they had the presence of God with them, Christ was under the hidings of his Father's face; they had the love of God shed abroad in them, he had the wrath of God poured out upon him; and his prayer bespeaks him to be in a condition which neither they, nor any mortal creature were ever in. Moreover, the human nature of Christ was now, as it were, swallowed up in sorrow, and intent upon nothing but sufferings and death; had nothing in view but the wrath of God, and the curse of the law; so that everything else was, for the present, out of sight; as the purposes of God, his counsel and covenant, his own engagements and office, and the salvation of his people; hence it is no wonder to hear such a request made; and yet it is with this condition, "if it be possible". In Mark it is said, "all things are possible unto thee", Mar 14:36; intimating, that the taking away, or causing the cup to pass from him, was: all things are possible to God, which are consistent with the perfections of his nature, and the counsel of his will: and all such things, though possible in themselves, yet are not under such and such circumstances so; the removal of the cup from Christ was possible in itself, but not as things were circumstanced, and as matters then stood; and therefore it is hypothetically put, "if it be possible", as it was not; and that by reason of the decrees and purposes of God, which had fixed it, and are immutable; and on account of the covenant of grace, of which this was a considerable branch and article, and in which Christ had agreed unto it, and is unalterable; and also on the score of the prophecies of the Old Testament, in which it had been often spoken of; and therefore without it, how should the Scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be? they would not have been the Scriptures of truth. Besides, Christ had foretold it himself once and again, and therefore consistent with the truth of his own predictions, it could not be dispensed with: add to all this, that the salvation of his people required his drinking it; that could not be brought about no other way in agreement with the veracity, faithfulness, justice, and holiness of God. This condition qualities and restrains the above petition; nor is it to be considered but in connection with what follows: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt; which shows that the request was far from being sinful, or contrary to piety to God, or love to men, or to true fortitude of mind; the pure natural will of Christ, or the will of Christ's human nature, being left to act in a mere natural way, shows a reluctancy to sorrows, sufferings, and death; this same will acting on rational principles, and in a rational way, puts it upon the possibility the thing, and the agreement of the divine will to it. That there are two wills in Christ, human and divine, is certain; his human will, though in some instances, as in this, may have been different from the divine will, yet not contrary to it; and his divine will is always the same with his Father's. This, as mediator, he engaged to do, and came down from heaven for that purpose, took delight in doing it, and has completely finished it, (g) Gloss. in T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 34. 2. (h) Maimon. Hilch. Tephilla, c. 5. sect. 14, 15.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
26:38 crushed with grief: See John 12:27; cp. Pss 42:5-6, 11; 43:5.
Matthew 26:38
Jesus Prays at Gethsemane
37He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.38Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Basics) 34. Humility in Jesus' Death
By Zac Poonen2.3K13:05MAT 6:33MAT 26:38LUK 9:23LUK 14:11LUK 23:34JHN 8:15PHP 2:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the life of Christ in our own lives and localities. He highlights the humility of Jesus, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane and during his trial and crucifixion. Jesus chose not to call upon angels for help, but instead humbled himself and accepted the unjust treatment and death that his Father had planned for him. The speaker encourages listeners to live with an open palm, serving others and meeting their needs, just as Jesus did throughout his life. He emphasizes that true Christianity is not about seeking honor or popularity, but rather following the example of Jesus and living in humility.
Elijah
By Major Ian Thomas1.1K1:04:22Elijah1KI 17:1MAT 7:25MAT 26:31MAT 26:38LUK 2:7PHP 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the presence of God within us. He encourages Christians to be a living testimony of Christ, not just through words, but through their actions and behavior. The speaker highlights that the message we communicate to the world is not just through sermons or speeches, but through the person we are and the quality of our lives. He reminds listeners that God can work through them to bring about miraculous and impactful moments when they align themselves with His will. The speaker also acknowledges that living out this calling may come with risks and misunderstandings, but it is a privilege and vocation for every believer.
Christ's Ascension Victory Is Yours - Part 2
By Erlo Stegen5481:15:33ResurrectionMAT 26:38MRK 16:14HEB 2:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a passage from the Gospel of Mark, specifically chapter 16, verses 14-20. The sermon begins with Jesus rebuking his disciples for their unbelief and hardness of heart. Jesus then instructs them to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation. He assures them that those who believe and are baptized will be saved, while those who do not believe will be condemned. The sermon also touches on the signs that will accompany believers, such as casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, and healing the sick. The preacher expresses deep emotion and gratitude for the angels who came to strengthen Jesus during his time of sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the listeners and for the words spoken to bear good fruit.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 162
By Don Courville34026:08Radio ShowPRO 1:21PRO 12:20MAT 26:38ROM 1:212CO 10:51PE 3:81PE 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church being a place of fellowship, encouragement, growth, and building up. He highlights the seven things that God hates, including a heart that divides and sows discord among brethren. The preacher emphasizes the need to cast down evil imaginations and bring every thought into obedience to Christ. He also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and fervent charity among believers, as it covers a multitude of sins. The preacher encourages listeners to seek reconciliation and unity in their church, as strife and pride hinder growth and grieve the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the freedom and abundant life found in Christ and the importance of having a deep fellowship with Him.
The Perfectness of Christ as Man in Temptation Matt. 26:31-56
By John Nelson Darby0Christ's HumanityTemptationMAT 4:1MAT 26:38John Nelson Darby emphasizes the perfectness of Christ as a man in the face of temptation, contrasting the failures of humanity with Christ's unwavering obedience and divine nature. He highlights how Christ fully experienced human emotions, particularly in Gethsemane, while remaining completely aligned with God's will. Darby illustrates that Christ's reliance on Scripture was key to overcoming temptation, demonstrating that true strength comes from being 'in Christ.' He also discusses the significance of understanding our position in Christ, which empowers believers to face spiritual battles. Ultimately, Darby calls for a deeper reflection on Christ's example and the lessons it teaches us about patience and faithfulness amidst trials.
Concerning Himself
By G. Campbell Morgan0The Purpose of ChristThe Identity of ChristMAT 9:13MAT 11:27MAT 26:38MRK 10:45MRK 13:32LUK 4:43LUK 9:58LUK 19:10JHN 3:13JHN 10:30G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the significance of Christ's self-revelation, exploring how Jesus taught about His own identity and purpose without systematic declarations. He highlights that Jesus' existence transcends human understanding, revealing both His divine nature and His intimate connection to humanity. Morgan discusses key biblical passages that illustrate Christ's eternal consciousness, His relationship with God, and His mission to save sinners. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing who Christ is, as this understanding is central to the Christian faith. Ultimately, Morgan concludes that Christ's life and teachings reveal the profound mystery of godliness.
And Pilate Marvelled
By Robert Hawker0ISA 53:7MAT 26:38LUK 21:37JHN 12:271PE 3:18Robert Hawker preaches about the profound suffering and endurance of Jesus on the cross, highlighting how Jesus bore the wrath of God due to sin for hours, accomplishing more in that day than all creatures could have done forever. The six hours on the cross displayed a greater power and grace than the six days of creation. Reflecting on the agonies Jesus endured in body and soul leading up to his crucifixion, it's astonishing that he lived so long on the cross.
Duty to All
By Mary Wilder Tileston0MAT 25:45MAT 26:38LUK 12:15JAS 4:171PE 3:4Mary Wilder Tileston, through the words of Elizabeth Taber King, emphasizes the importance of being watchful and attentive to the needs of others, highlighting the impact of neglecting those in need as neglecting Jesus Himself. The sermon underscores the danger of being engrossed in personal concerns to the point of missing opportunities to show love and compassion to others. It also warns against the potential consequences of failing to fulfill our duty to care for those around us, suggesting that our omissions may be more significant than our actions in the eyes of God.
Your Father Keeps His Promises
By David Wilkerson0PrayerTrust in God's PromisesMAT 26:38David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of Gethsemane as a place of deep sorrow and prayer, where Jesus faced overwhelming trials yet demonstrated how to gain power over evil through submission to God's will. He contrasts the modern church's tendency to avoid tears and struggles with the reality that there are times when we must bring our anguish before God. Wilkerson encourages believers to embrace their trials and cast their burdens onto the Lord, reminding them of God's promises to be a loving Father who keeps His word.
The Human-Heartedness of Jesus
By J.R. Miller0Friendship with JesusHumanity of ChristMAT 11:19MAT 26:38MRK 3:14LUK 2:52LUK 22:44JHN 10:14JHN 11:35JHN 15:13ROM 5:8HEB 4:15J.R. Miller emphasizes the human-heartedness of Jesus, arguing that while we often view Him as divine and separate from ordinary human experiences, He truly shared in the struggles and joys of humanity. Jesus learned, grew, and formed friendships just like any other person, craving love and companionship despite His divine nature. Miller highlights that understanding Jesus' humanity allows us to appreciate His compassion and the depth of His relationships with others. The sermon encourages believers to recognize the significance of their friendship with Jesus, which transforms lives and enriches the human experience. Ultimately, Miller asserts that the friendship of Jesus is a profound blessing that connects us to His love and grace.
Prayer—the Long and Short of It!
By David Wilkerson0The Power of PrayerSincerity in Communication with GodECC 5:2MAT 26:38PHP 4:6JAS 5:16David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of concise and sincere prayer, warning against the tendency to use long, wordy prayers that may lack genuine intent. He argues that God desires intelligent and respectful communication rather than empty clichés or attempts to impress Him with verbosity. Wilkerson encourages believers to be specific in their prayers, as this leads to clearer answers from God, and highlights the necessity of personal communion with the Lord. He stresses that true prayer requires dedication and transformation, urging that no one should approach prayer lightly or without preparation.
I Am Poured Out Like Water, and All My Bones Are Out of Joint
By C.H. Spurgeon0Grace in TrialsSuffering Of ChristPSA 22:14ISA 53:5MAT 26:38JHN 16:33ROM 8:182CO 12:9PHP 3:10HEB 4:151PE 5:10REV 21:4C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the profound suffering of Jesus, describing Him as feeling weak and dislocated, burdened by the weight of the cross and the wrath of God. He emphasizes the intensity of Christ's agony, which was so great that it would have been unbearable for anyone else, yet He endured it fully. Spurgeon encourages believers to remember the sacrifice of Christ and to draw strength from His suffering, as it prepares a throne of grace for us. He draws a parallel between Christ's physical suffering and the spiritual trials believers face, assuring that just as Christ emerged victorious, so too will His followers. The sermon calls for a deep reflection on the grief of Christ and the grace it affords us in our own struggles.
Watch
By Tom Macartney0ISA 62:6MAT 24:10MAT 26:38MRK 13:33LUK 21:34ACT 20:171CO 16:13EPH 6:13HEB 1:14REV 3:1Tom Macartney preaches on the importance of watchfulness in the scriptures, emphasizing the need for vigilance, wakefulness, and spiritual alertness in our devotion to the Lord. He explores various contexts where the concept of 'watch' is mentioned, such as the second coming of Jesus, the connection between watching and praying, standing firm in the faith, and the dangers of having a reputation without true spiritual life. The sermon delves into the role of spiritual responsibility and service in the church, the significance of unseen angelic allies, and the necessity of watching in times of testing and evil days.
The Sufferings of Christ Mark 14
By John Nelson Darby0The Sufferings of ChristThe Weight of SinISA 53:5MAT 26:38MRK 14:33John Nelson Darby emphasizes the dual nature of Christ's sufferings in Mark 14, highlighting both the rejection He faced from humanity and the profound agony of bearing God's wrath for our sins. He urges listeners to recognize the gravity of sin, which caused Jesus to be 'sore amazed' and 'very heavy' in Gethsemane, and to understand that indifference to this suffering reflects a hardened conscience. Darby calls for a heartfelt acknowledgment of the love and sacrifice of Jesus, reminding us that our sins were the reason for His suffering and that we must confront our own state before God. He illustrates the depth of Christ's love and the necessity of His suffering for our salvation, encouraging believers to appreciate the cost of their redemption. Ultimately, he challenges the audience to either embrace the grace of Christ's sacrifice or face the consequences of their indifference.
Salvation
By Watchman Nee0SalvationRegenerationPSA 22:16MAT 26:38JHN 5:24JHN 11:41ROM 5:12HEB 7:10Watchman Nee emphasizes the profound impact of sin and death on humanity, explaining that spiritual death separates man from God. He illustrates how Christ's sacrificial death serves as a substitute for humanity, allowing believers to escape judgment and receive eternal life. Nee further elaborates on the necessity of regeneration, highlighting that true salvation involves a transformation of the spirit, which is achieved through faith in Christ's death and resurrection. He contrasts the spiritual and carnal Christian, urging believers to grow in grace and allow the Holy Spirit to govern their lives. Ultimately, Nee underscores that regeneration is the starting point for a believer's spiritual journey, leading to a life empowered by God's eternal life.
Behold the Emperor of Woe!
By C.H. Spurgeon0Comfort in AfflictionSuffering Of ChristPSA 34:18ISA 53:3MAT 26:38LUK 22:44JHN 19:5ROM 5:82CO 1:5HEB 12:21PE 2:24REV 21:4C.H. Spurgeon invites believers to behold Jesus, the 'Emperor of Woe,' emphasizing that true joy and comfort come from understanding His profound suffering. He paints a vivid picture of Christ in Gethsemane, His agony on the cross, and the depth of His sorrow, urging sinners to look upon their suffering Lord. Spurgeon asserts that in contemplating Christ's pain, believers find healing for their own afflictions and a deeper appreciation for the hope found in His sacrifice. He encourages the faithful to remain at the foot of the cross, where they can find solace and strength amidst their own trials.
Let Us Not Forget the Substitute
By C.H. Spurgeon0Substitutionary AtonementThe Suffering of ChristPSA 22:14ISA 53:5ZEC 13:7MAT 26:38JHN 3:16ROM 5:82CO 5:21GAL 3:13HEB 9:281PE 2:24C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound significance of Christ as our Substitute, who bore the weight of sin and divine wrath on behalf of humanity. He vividly describes the agony of Gethsemane and the brutal suffering endured by Jesus, highlighting that His death was necessary for the salvation of His chosen people. Spurgeon asserts that the doctrine of justice being executed upon Christ is central to the Gospel, and any church that dismisses this truth ceases to be a true church of Christ. The sermon serves as a reminder of the depths of Christ's sacrifice and the importance of recognizing Him as our Savior.
Mark 14:38
By Chuck Smith0PrayerCrisisMAT 26:38MRK 14:38LUK 22:44JHN 15:13ACT 1:8ROM 8:31PHP 4:13HEB 4:15JAS 5:161PE 5:8Chuck Smith discusses the profound struggle Jesus faced in His final hours, emphasizing the duality of His nature as both God and man. He highlights the intense physical, emotional, and spiritual pain Jesus endured, and the critical decision He made to sacrifice Himself for humanity's salvation. Smith reflects on the importance of having supportive friends during crises, as Jesus sought comfort from His disciples, urging them to 'watch and pray.' He concludes by reminding us that while our spirits may be willing, our flesh is weak, and we must remain vigilant in prayer.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he went a little further,.... Luke says, Luk 22:41, "about a stone's cast", about fifty or sixty feet from the place where they were, and fell on his face, and prayed; partly to show his great reverence of God, the sword of whose justice was awaked against him, the terrors of whose law were set in array before him, and whose wrath was pouring down upon him; and partly to signify how much his soul was depressed, how low he was brought, and in what distress and anguish of spirit he was, that he was not able to lift up his head, and look up. This was a prayer gesture used when a person was in the utmost perplexity. The account the Jews give of it, is this (g), , "when they fall upon their faces", they do not stretch out their hands and their feet, but incline on their sides. This was not to be done by any person, or at any time; the rules are these (h): "no man is accounted fit , "to fall upon his face", but he that knows in himself that he is righteous, as Joshua; but he inclines his face a little, and does not bow it down to the floor; and it is lawful for a man to pray in one place, and to "fall upon his face" in another: it is a custom that reaches throughout all Israel, that there is no falling upon the face on a sabbath day, nor on feast days, nor on the beginning of the year, nor on the beginning of the month, nor on the feast of dedication, nor on the days of "purim", nor at the time of the meat offering of the eves of the sabbath days, and good days, nor at the evening prayer for every day; and there are private persons that fall upon their faces at the evening prayer, and on the day of atonement only: they fall upon their faces because it is a time of supplication, request, and fasting. Saying, O my father; or, as in Mark, "Abba, Father", Mar 14:36; "Abba" being the Syriac word he used, and signifies, "my father"; and the other word is added for explanation's sake, and to denote the vehemency of his mind, and fervour of spirit in prayer. Christ prayed in the same manner he taught his disciples to pray, saying, "our Father"; and as all his children pray under the influence of the spirit of adoption, whereby they cry "Abba, Father". God is the Father of Christ, not as man, for as such he was without father, being the seed of the woman, and made of a woman, without man; nor by creation, as he is the Father of spirits, of angels, and the souls of men, of Adam, and all mankind; nor by adoption, as he is the Father of all the chosen, redeemed, and regenerated ones; but by nature, he being the only begotten of the Father, in a manner inconceivable and inexpressible by us. Christ now addresses him in prayer in his human nature, as standing in this relation to him as the Son of God, both to express his reverence of him, and what freedom and boldness he might use with him; what confidence he might put in him; and what expectation he might have of being heard and regarded by him; and what submission and resignation of will was due from himself unto him, If it be possible, let this cup pass from me; meaning not only the hour, as it is called in Mark, the present season and time of distress, and horror; but all his future sufferings and death, which were at hand; together with the bearing the sins of his people, the enduring the curse of the law, and the wrath of God, all which were ingredients in, and made up this dreadful bitter cup, this cup of fury, cursing, and trembling; called a cup, either in allusion to the nauseous potions given by physicians to their patients; or rather to the cup of poison given to malefactors the sooner to dispatch them; or to that of wine mingled with myrrh and frankincense to intoxicate them, that they might not feel their pain; see Gill on Mar 15:23, or to the cup appointed by the master of the family to everyone in the house; these sorrows, sufferings, and death of Christ being what were allotted and appointed by his heavenly Father: and when he prays that this cup might pass from him, his meaning is, that he might be freed from the present horrors of his mind, be excused the sufferings of death, and be delivered from the curse of the law, and wrath of God; which request was made without sin, though it betrayed the weakness of the human nature under its insupportable load, and its reluctance to sufferings and death, which is natural; and yet does not represent him herein as inferior to martyrs, who have desired death, and triumphed in the midst of exquisite torments: for their case and his were widely different; they had the presence of God with them, Christ was under the hidings of his Father's face; they had the love of God shed abroad in them, he had the wrath of God poured out upon him; and his prayer bespeaks him to be in a condition which neither they, nor any mortal creature were ever in. Moreover, the human nature of Christ was now, as it were, swallowed up in sorrow, and intent upon nothing but sufferings and death; had nothing in view but the wrath of God, and the curse of the law; so that everything else was, for the present, out of sight; as the purposes of God, his counsel and covenant, his own engagements and office, and the salvation of his people; hence it is no wonder to hear such a request made; and yet it is with this condition, "if it be possible". In Mark it is said, "all things are possible unto thee", Mar 14:36; intimating, that the taking away, or causing the cup to pass from him, was: all things are possible to God, which are consistent with the perfections of his nature, and the counsel of his will: and all such things, though possible in themselves, yet are not under such and such circumstances so; the removal of the cup from Christ was possible in itself, but not as things were circumstanced, and as matters then stood; and therefore it is hypothetically put, "if it be possible", as it was not; and that by reason of the decrees and purposes of God, which had fixed it, and are immutable; and on account of the covenant of grace, of which this was a considerable branch and article, and in which Christ had agreed unto it, and is unalterable; and also on the score of the prophecies of the Old Testament, in which it had been often spoken of; and therefore without it, how should the Scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be? they would not have been the Scriptures of truth. Besides, Christ had foretold it himself once and again, and therefore consistent with the truth of his own predictions, it could not be dispensed with: add to all this, that the salvation of his people required his drinking it; that could not be brought about no other way in agreement with the veracity, faithfulness, justice, and holiness of God. This condition qualities and restrains the above petition; nor is it to be considered but in connection with what follows: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt; which shows that the request was far from being sinful, or contrary to piety to God, or love to men, or to true fortitude of mind; the pure natural will of Christ, or the will of Christ's human nature, being left to act in a mere natural way, shows a reluctancy to sorrows, sufferings, and death; this same will acting on rational principles, and in a rational way, puts it upon the possibility the thing, and the agreement of the divine will to it. That there are two wills in Christ, human and divine, is certain; his human will, though in some instances, as in this, may have been different from the divine will, yet not contrary to it; and his divine will is always the same with his Father's. This, as mediator, he engaged to do, and came down from heaven for that purpose, took delight in doing it, and has completely finished it, (g) Gloss. in T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 34. 2. (h) Maimon. Hilch. Tephilla, c. 5. sect. 14, 15.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
26:38 crushed with grief: See John 12:27; cp. Pss 42:5-6, 11; 43:5.