New Testament
Matthew 26:39
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Going a little farther, he fell face down and prayed, "My Father, if it's possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want."
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And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
What Matthew 26:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the immense burden of his impending crucifixion. He expresses his deep anguish and desire to avoid the suffering that lies ahead, symbolized by the 'cup' he refers to. This cup represents the suffering and sin he is about to bear for humanity. Despite his personal wish to escape this fate, Jesus submits to God's will, demonstrating his obedience and commitment to the divine plan. His prayer reflects a profound moment of vulnerability and surrender, showing that even in his distress, he prioritizes God's purpose over his own desires. This moment highlights the tension between human fear and divine purpose, illustrating the importance of aligning our will with God's, even in difficult circumstances.
How to apply Matthew 26:39 to your life
When faced with difficult choices or suffering, we can follow Jesus' example by praying earnestly and seeking God's will above our own desires. This teaches us to trust in God's plan, even when it is hard to understand or accept.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 26:39 mean?
Matthew 26:39 captures Jesus in deep anguish as he prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, expressing his desire to avoid the suffering of crucifixion. He acknowledges his fear but ultimately submits to God's will, highlighting the struggle between human desire and divine purpose.
What is the meaning of 'this cup' in Matthew 26:39?
In Matthew 26:39, 'this cup' symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice Jesus is about to endure for humanity's sins. It represents the weight of the impending crucifixion and the burden of sin he is prepared to bear.
How does Matthew 26:39 relate to prayer?
Matthew 26:39 shows Jesus praying earnestly in a moment of distress, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's will through prayer. It teaches that prayer can be a way to express our fears while aligning our desires with God's purpose.
What can we learn from Jesus' prayer in Matthew 26:39?
From Jesus' prayer in Matthew 26:39, we learn the importance of surrendering our will to God, especially in difficult times. It encourages us to trust in God's plan and to seek His guidance through prayer, even when facing challenges.
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