Three Questions by a Christian and their Answers — Page 43
43 through his word and deed, that he was but a poor, weak and frail man, possessing no personal good or merit, and in what beautiful words he made his final admission as his life drew to an end. It is written in the Gospels that the Messiah (learning of his imminent arrest) became extremely anxious and grief-stricken, and said to them (his disciples): My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. And he said: Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me. 46 That is to say, You are All-Powerful and I am only a weak and humble man. Only You can remove this calamity. And he finally gave up his ghost crying Eli, Eli, lama Sabach- thani?, which is translated as: "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" 47 Now, although the prayer was not heard—for it was irrevo- cably destined not be heard, and what power would a poor creature have before the definite will of the Creator!—still, upon the hope that it might be accepted, the Messiah as took the admission of his humility and submission to the ex- treme. If he had indeed known beforehand that his prayer would be rejected and would never be heard, would he have gone on praying all night till dawn? And would he still have fervently employed himself and his disciples in 46 Matthew 26:38-39, Mark 14:36 [Publishers] 47 Matthew 27:46 [Publishers]