ACC ~ Matthew 26 v39

IF IT BE POSSIBLE

ORIGEN: His words “if it be possible” referred not only to God’s power but also to his justice. As to God’s power, whatever is just or unjust is possible. As to his justice, which is not only powerful but also just, not everything is possible—only that which is just. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 95. [1]

[1] GCS 38.2:213.

NOT AS I WILL, BUT AS YOU WILL

CHRYSOSTOM: By saying then, “If it be possible, let it pass from me,” he showed his true humanity. But by saying, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as you will,” he showed his virtue and self-command. This too teaches us, even when nature pulls us back, to follow God. In order to make clear that he is truly God and truly human, words alone would not suffice. Deeds were needed. So he joined deeds with words in order that even those who have been highly contentious may believe that he both became man and died. Admittedly some still do not believe that this was so. But many more would have been unable to have believed if his face had not been seen at Gethsemane. See in how many ways he shows the reality of the incarnation. He demonstrates both by what he speaks and by what he suffers. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 83.1. [1]

[1] PG 58:746; NPNF 1 10:497.

LET THIS CUP PASS

LEO THE GREAT: The disciples were admonished, and the Lord beseeches the Father that they might confront the force of the present temptation with watchful prayer: “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.” The first petition arises from weakness, the second from strength: He desired the former based on our nature and chose the latter based on his own. Equal to the Father, the Son knew that all things were possible to God; rather, he descended into this world to take up the cross against his will so that he might suffer through this conflict of emotions with a disquieted mind. But in order to show the distinction between the receiving nature and the received nature, what was proper of humanity desired divine intervention and what was proper of God looked upon the human situation. The lower will yielded to the higher will, and this demonstrated what the fearful person may pray for and what the divine healer should not grant. “For we do not know how to pray as we ought,” [1] and it is good for us that what we want, for the most part, is not granted. God, who is good and just, shows mercy toward us by denying us those things we ask for which are harmful. SERMON 43.2. [2]

[1] Rom 8:26.

[2] SC 74:43.