Mark 14:35-36

The Jews did not address God with "Abba" (lit. Daddy) because they considered such intimacy disrespectful. Jesus used the word because He as the Son of God was on intimate terms with the Father (cf. Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). Jesus evidently prayed for the better part of an hour (Mark 14:37) though Mark only recorded the essence of His request (cf. Hebrews 5:7). In the ancient world almost everyone prayed aloud, and this is how Jesus probably prayed. [Note: Lane, p. 515.] His submission to His Father here recalls Genesis 22:7 where Isaac addressed his father Abraham in a very similar situation quite near this place. [Note: See Joseph A. Grassi, "Abba, Father (Mark 14:36): Another Approach," Journal of the American Academy of Religion 50:3 (September 1982):449-58.]

Jesus expressed faith in God with whom all things consistent with His nature are possible (cf. Mark 9:23). The unclear issue to the God-man, who voluntarily limited His knowledge in the Incarnation, was not God’s ability but God’s will.

"It is this complete dependence on God for his own salvation which is the source of Jesus’ courage to renounce himself, be least, and lose his life." [Note: Rhoads and Michie, p. 108.]

Jesus referred to the Cross as the "hour" and the "cup." The first expression includes everything involved in the Cross (cf. John 7:30; John 8:20; et al.). The "cup" figuratively particularized God’s judgment in the Cross (cf. Mark 10:38-39; Mark 14:29). Jesus’ human will was distinct from the Father’s will but never opposed to it.