Definition: And he went a little further, 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].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 26:39. It’s a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible that describes Jesus’ final moments. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Story: Jesus is about to be arrested and crucified. He’s feeling immense pressure and fear, realizing his time is ending. He decides to take a moment of quiet reflection and prayer before he faces his fate. What’s Happening in the Verse: “And he went a little further…” : This shows Jesus is moving towards a point of intense difficulty – a pivotal moment. “…and fell on his face…” : This isn't just a stumble; it’s a profound surrender to God and a recognition of his own helplessness. He’s giving in to the inevitable. “And prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will…” : This is the core of the verse. Jesus is begging God to change his fate. "If it be possible..." : He's asking God to allow something to happen that he doesn’t want to happen. "...let this cup pass from me..." : This is a metaphor for his life, his suffering, and ultimately, his death. He's pleading with God to take away the pain and burden of his crucifixion. "Nevertheless not as I will…” : This is the crucial part. Jesus isn’t asking God to do something he doesn’t want. He's saying, “I don’t want this to happen.” He’s asserting his free will and refusing to be controlled by his Father's plan. What it Means – The Bigger Picture: This is a key moment in the Gospel of Matthew because: It shows Jesus’ complete submission to God’s will. He’s not trying to fight against his fate, but rather acknowledging and accepting it. It reveals Jesus’ profound faith and love for God. He's willing to give up control to be with God. It’s a testament to the power of prayer. It demonstrates that even in the face of unimaginable suffering, Jesus could still turn to God and ask for his help. In short: Jesus is humbly pleading with God not to take his life, but to allow God to work through it. It's a powerful expression of trust and obedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other parts of the Bible? Give you a different interpretation or perspective on the passage?