All Things Are Possible?

Jesus prays in Gethsemane

After a brief excursion for Pentecost, we pick back up with a longer passage from Mark 14 today.

There are many things to note here. Another bold, untrue statement from Peter (and indeed, all the disciples). Those same disciples sleeping during Jesus’ anguished prayer. The disciples’ absolute uncertainty with the situation and what to say (have you been there?). Eager spirits, no action (surely you’ve been there).

It’s well-known that in his Gethsemane prayer, Jesus asked for deliverance from his impending death. It’s a powerful insight into both his humanity and his willingness to die. While he prays for deliverance, he walked forward nonetheless.

But in the midst of it, Mark tells us he prayed, Father, for you all things are possible.

We know the rest of the story - Jesus does indeed endure the pain of betrayal, abandonment, mockery, false testimony, isolation, beating, and death.

Does that mean it wasn’t possible for God the Father to deliver him? …or did God choose not to deliver him? …is the human agency of Judas, the religious leaders, Pilate, and the Roman soldiers just something God can’t — or won’t — override?

…do any of these questions matter?

Christians have wrestled with these questions of agency and will for a long, long time.

But in the end, Jesus bore it all and died on the cross. There is no indication he tried to stop any of it beyond this prayer.

There is nothing wrong, necessarily, with wondering about agency, either God’s or humans’. But in the end, discipleship doesn’t depend on having those answers.

The call is the same.

Mark 14:27-52

Jesus said to them, “You will all falter in your faithfulness to me. It is written, I will hit the shepherd, and the sheep will go off in all directions. But after I’m raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else stumbles, I won’t.”

But Jesus said to him, “I assure you that on this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”

But Peter insisted, “If I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.” And they all said the same thing.

Jesus and his disciples came to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus said to them, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John along with him. He began to feel despair and was anxious. He said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert.” Then he went a short distance farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if possible, he might be spared the time of suffering. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible. Take this cup of suffering away from me. However—not what I want but what you want.”

He came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you stay alert for one hour? Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, he left them and prayed, repeating the same words. And, again, when he came back, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open, and they didn’t know how to respond to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Will you sleep and rest all night? That’s enough! The time has come for the Human One to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up! Let’s go! Look, here comes my betrayer.”

Suddenly, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came with a mob carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests, legal experts, and elders. His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss, and take him away under guard.”

As soon as he got there, Judas said to Jesus, “Rabbi!” Then he kissed him. Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

One of the bystanders drew a sword and struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear. Jesus responded, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me, like an outlaw? Day after day, I was with you, teaching in the temple, but you didn’t arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” And all his disciples left him and ran away. One young man, a disciple, was wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They grabbed him, but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.

Psalm 31:1-3

I take refuge in you, Lord. Please never let me be put to shame. Rescue me by your righteousness! Listen closely to me! Deliver me quickly; be a rock that protects me; be a strong fortress that saves me! You are definitely my rock and my fortress. Guide me and lead me for the sake of your good name!

Prayer from Ignatius of Loyola

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will—all I have and call my own.

You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me.