Definition: Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Luke. It’s a really powerful and complex verse, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in plain terms: Jesus is talking to God – specifically, the Father – and he's expressing a huge amount of frustration and despair. Let’s unpack it: “Father” : This is a familiar term for Jesus, acknowledging his relationship with God. “If thou be willing…” : Jesus is asking if God can take this cup away. It’s a question of God’s power – is he truly in control? “…remove this cup from me” : This is the core of the verse. Jesus is pleading that God stop taking this cup from him. It’s a very direct request. “Nevertheless not my will, but thine…” : This is the crucial part. Jesus isn't asking for God’s will – He’s saying, “It’s not my will.” He’s rejecting God’s plan or decision. It's a strong declaration of his own independence and refusal to be controlled. “be done.” : This is the final, desperate plea. Jesus wants God to simply stop. So, putting it all together: Jesus is saying, “I don’t want you to take this cup from me! It's not my decision. Please, just stop!” He’s expressing immense pain and a feeling of being controlled by something outside of his own will. It highlights a moment of profound rebellion and submission. What does it mean in the bigger picture? This is often interpreted as a moment when Jesus felt like he was losing control – perhaps because he was being challenged or manipulated. It's a pivotal point in the Gospel narrative, marking a shift towards his own understanding of his divine purpose. It’s also a powerful expression of his willingness to accept his death and resurrection. Important Note: This passage is rich with symbolism and has been interpreted in many ways over the centuries. It's a complex verse that continues to resonate with people today! --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, we could talk about: The historical context of this scene The symbolism behind “the cup” (often interpreted as representing Jesus’s life or ministry) How this passage connects to other parts of the Bible