Definition: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Matthew 26:53. It’s a really striking and symbolic moment in Jesus’s life leading up to his crucifixion. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying that he absolutely believes God can and will answer his prayers. He’s feeling incredibly anxious and worried about the upcoming events – he knows his followers are going to be scared, and he’s grappling with a huge amount of responsibility. Let's unpack it word by word: “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father…” - This is Jesus acknowledging that he can still pray. He’s not saying he's lost the ability to ask for help or guidance. It’s a statement of his confidence and belief in his own power. "...and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" - This is where it gets really interesting. "Legions of angels" is a huge number – it's far beyond anything humanly possible. It suggests a tremendous, overwhelming amount of help and support from God. What does this mean in practical terms? The phrase “presently give me” means that Jesus believes God will take action right now . It’s not about a gradual process; it's a definite guarantee of divine intervention. It implies: He expects divine support: Jesus is expecting God to be involved in his suffering and the fate of those he loves. Divine Protection: This isn’t just about physical help, but also about protection from harm, maybe even a shield against evil. A Sign of Faith: It's a powerful statement of faith – that Jesus believes God is capable of exceeding all human expectations and doing what’s best. Why is this important? This passage is considered one of the most profound and symbolic moments in the Gospels. It speaks to: Jesus’s understanding of his role: He's recognizing that he isn’t just a man, but also a conduit for God's will. His vulnerability: He acknowledges his own limitations while simultaneously trusting in God’s power. In short, it expresses Jesus's deep conviction and trust that God will not fail him during the most challenging time of his life. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Discuss its symbolic meaning? Compare it to other examples of divine intervention in the Bible?