Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane in the Synoptic Version (Matt 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46) as a Paradigm of Submission to the Father’s Will

Stanisław Witkowski MS

Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7282-1866

Abstract

The article shows Jesus’ struggle in Gethsemane for God’s will to be finally accomplished. Particularly,
the Evangelists Mark and Matthew emphasize this theme. In Luke’s version, Jesus, the perfect Teacher, is ready to fulfil his Father’s plan right away. The struggle shown by the third Evangelist (avgwni,a) expresses Jesus’ strain, his emotions, to make what God had prepared for Him to happen. The theme of prayer in Gethsemane is also expressed in Hebrews 5:7-8, in the context of Jesus’ priesthood, which from the very beginning was closely related to his sacrifice of life. The quoted passage from the Letter to the Hebrews raises differences in interpretation. However, in the light of the Synoptics, it seems that eu vla,beia – “fear” should assume a shade of respect, reverence for the will of the Father. Its recognition was accompanied by the suffering of Jesus, which resulted in his full obedience. The Will of God as the ultimate criterion for the decision is also confirmed in the early Church. The community of Caesarea Martima expresses its desire to implement it when all efforts have been exhausted to prevent Paul from imminent death (Acts 21:11-14). In this way, submission to the Father’s will becomes the point of reference in all circumstances of Christian life.

Keywords:

Gethsemane, agony, obedience, the will of the Lord