What were the words of Jesus' second prayer according to Matthew, given Mark says they were the same as the first? Context of the Three Prayers in Gethsemane In the night before the Crucifixion, the Gospels record that Jesus went with His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed three times (cf. Matthew 26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42). These prayers reveal both His deep sorrow in anticipation of what lay ahead and His submission to the Father’s will. The second prayer, specifically, has drawn attention because Mark notes that Jesus prayed the same words as in the first prayer (Mark 14:39), while Matthew provides a slightly different form (Matthew 26:42). Below is an exhaustive overview of this second prayer, how it is recorded, and how the two Gospel accounts fit together. Scriptural Citations of the First and Second Prayers Matthew recounts two sets of words: the first prayer (Matthew 26:39) and the second prayer (Matthew 26:42). Mark records the substance of the first prayer (Mark 14:36) and then states that the second time Jesus prayed “the same words” (Mark 14:39). Comparing these passages clarifies the question. • Matthew 26:39, first prayer: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” • Matthew 26:42, second prayer: “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” • Mark 14:36, first prayer: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” • Mark 14:39, second prayer: “Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words.” These two Gospels agree in the timeline: Jesus prayed a total of three times, returning to His disciples in between each prayer. Mark condenses the second prayer’s content to a statement of repetition, while Matthew describes a nuanced variation of Jesus’ words. Analyzing Matthew’s Account of the Second Prayer Matthew 26:42 preserves a distinct statement for the second prayer: “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” This differs slightly from the first prayer, in which Jesus asks if it is possible for the cup to pass. The second prayer indicates a further resolve: if there is no alternative but to drink the cup, He yields Himself completely to the Father’s will. From a textual standpoint, the wording in Matthew places stronger emphasis on the necessity of Jesus’ suffering and His willing acceptance. The notion of “this cup cannot pass unless I drink it” underscores that events have narrowed to one inescapable conclusion: the crucifixion. Analyzing Mark’s Emphasis on “the Same Words” Mark 14:39 simply states that Jesus “went away and prayed, saying the same words.” The phrase “the same words” (Greek: τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον, ton auton logon) indicates the same essential request and posture of submission, though Mark does not reproduce the entire statement. Since Mark often abbreviates certain details for brevity and pace, it is natural that he gives a summary statement of repetition rather than quoting fresh wording. Crucially, “saying the same words” need not mean a letter-for-letter repetition. It underscores that Jesus was praying intensely for the same overarching purpose: if possible, let the suffering pass, yet yielding to God’s will above all. Readers throughout church history have consistently recognized that paraphrased prayers (or summarized prayers) in Scripture do not undermine the harmony of the Gospel accounts. Reconciling the Two Accounts 1. Harmony Rather Than Contradiction: Matthew’s fuller description of the second prayer and Mark’s briefer reference both present the same theological truth: Jesus prayed a second time, again wrestling with the anguish of His task, yet submitting Himself entirely to the Father. Mark’s “same words” can be read as capturing the same essence or theme of the prayer rather than documenting a verbatim repetition. 2. Progression in Jesus’ Prayers: Comparing both Gospels reveals how Jesus’ posture of surrender to the Father intensifies. From “if it is possible” (first prayer) to “if it cannot pass unless I drink it” (second prayer), there is a steadfast acceptance. The slight variations highlight the emotional and spiritual progression rather than creating a contradiction. 3. Examples of Ancient Writing Conventions: Ancient biographical works commonly summarized repeated statements. Mark may have used this convention, focusing on Jesus’ overall submission without needing to quote every nuanced aspect a second time. Matthew, on the other hand, preserves the distinct wording of the second prayer for added richness and detail. Significance of the Second Prayer Jesus’ second prayer (as given in Matthew) offers deeper insight into His human struggle with the weight of the impending crucifixion. The prayer demonstrates: • Complete dependence on the Father: He addresses God as “My Father,” acknowledging the Father’s authority and companionship in suffering. • Willingness to Suffer Redemptively: Jesus concedes that if the cup cannot pass without Him drinking it, He will do so in obedience. • Model of Submission and Obedience: This prayer has long been recognized by Christians as a model for presenting requests to God while surrendering entirely to His will. Furthermore, Mark’s statement that Jesus prayed “the same words” underscores the repeated nature of His earnest entreaty. This repetition reveals a profound intensity, as He prays again and again for the Father’s will to be done, affirming unwavering trust in God’s plan for salvation. Addressing Concerns About Reliability Some observe differences in the exact wording of the second prayer. However, these differences do not undermine the consistency of the Gospel records. The earliest manuscript tradition, including multiple textual families, shows no meaningful variation in Mark 14:39 or Matthew 26:42 that would indicate textual corruption. Additionally, ancient scholars and modern textual critics alike (including references to robust Greek manuscript evidence) conclude that such slight variations fit well within the normal patterns of historical reportage. The same core message stands: Jesus prayed a second time, and the essential content centers on the acceptance of the Father’s will. Conclusion The second prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane, specifically recorded in Matthew 26:42 and alluded to in Mark 14:39, anchors believers in the profound submission of Christ to the Father’s purpose. Although Mark summarizes by saying Jesus prayed the same words, Matthew provides a deeper perspective of Jesus’ surrender, highlighting a progressive movement in His prayer from asking if the cup might pass to accepting that it would not. In this way, the Gospel writers complement one another. There is harmony in their testimony, revealing both the consistent essence of Jesus’ prayer and the added nuance from Matthew’s detailed account. The second prayer, therefore, is a crucial window into Christ’s obedience: “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42). |
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