I. Our Saviour’s PRAYER TO THE FarueR. The words of Jesus are reported some- what differently by the several evangelists, from which we may learn that it is not so much the language as the meaning which is important for us. 1. Observe the address; “ Abba, Father!” It is clear that our Lord was conscious of the personal favour and approval of him to whom he was rendering obedience, never so acceptable as in the closing scenes of the earthly ministry. 2. The petition is very remarkable: it was that the hour might pass, and that the cup might be taken away untasted. We are admitted here to witness the workings of Christ’s human nature. He shrank, as we should do, from pain and insult, from slander and cruelty. Although he had forewarned his disciples that there was a baptism for him to endure, a bitter cup for him to drink, now that the time approached, the trial was so severe, the experience so distressing, that had-he been guided by his individual feelings he would fain have avoided a doom go unjust and so overwhelming. 3. The qualification added explains what would otherwise be inexplicable. Jesus did not absolutely ask for release ; his condition was, “Tf it be possible,” and his conclusion, “ Not my will, but thine, be done!” There was no resistance to the Father’s appointment; on the contrary, there was perfect submis- sion. Not that the Father took pleasure in the Son’s sufferings, but the Father appointed that the ransom should be paid, that the sacrifice should be offered.
IIL Ovr Savioun’s CLINGING TO HIs DISCIPLES. Very touching is our Lord’s attach- ment to the eleven; “he loved them unto the end;” he took them with him to the garden. And very touching is his craving for human sympathy. Although his anguish could be best endured alone, he would have the little band not far off, and the favoured three he would have close by him. If they would watch with him one hour, the one only, the one last remaining hour of fellowship—if they would pray for them- selves, perhaps for him—it would be a solace to his tender soul; to be assured of their sympathy, to be assured that, even on earth, he was not alone; that there was, even now, some gratitude, some love, some sympathizing sorrow, left on earth. Why Jesus should have gone thrice to see whether his three nearest friends were watching with him in the hour of his bitter woe, seems only to be explained by considering his true humanity, his heart yearning for sympathy. Even his prayers, fervent though they were, were interrupted for this purpose! There is a tone of reproach in his final per- mission, “‘ Sleep on now ! ”—now that the glimmering of the torches is seen through the olive boughs as their bearers cross the deep ravine, now that the step of the traitor falls upon the ear of the betrayed. A sad reminder of “ the irreparable past; ” an ever- lasting expostulation, again and again in coming years to ring in the ear of each slumberous, unsympathizing disciple, and rouse to diligence, to watchfulness, to prayer.
IV. Our Savioun’s RESIGNATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE FUTURE BEFORE HIM. Hi bodily weakness was supported by angelic succour. His spirit was calmed by prayer, and by the iva’ assurance that from the cross there was no release, except at the cost of the abandonment of his work of redemption. From the moment that the conflict was over, and his mind was fully and finally made up to accept the Divine appoint- ment—from that moment his demeanour was changed. Instead of seeking sympathy from his disciples, he spoke words of authority and encouragement to them, in their weakness and their panic. Instead of falling upon his knees or upon his face, in agony and tears, he went forward to meet his betrayers. Instead of seeking release from the impending fate, he offered himself to his foes. He put forth his hand to take the cup from which he had so lately shrunk. He boldly met the hour which, in the prospect, had seemed almost too awful to encounter. He had now no will but bis Father’s, no aim
OH. xIv. 1—72.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TU ST. MARK. 245 SS
but our salvation. Even now he saw “of the travail of his soul, and was satisfied.” “For the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame!” The unity of the Saviour’s sacrifice is thus apparent. He was obedient unto death; and the triumph of the spirit in Gethsemane was part of his filial and perfect obedience. Indeed, it would seem that the price of our redemption was paid, spiritually, in the garden; and, in the body, upon the cross!