The cup of god’s wrath Mark 14 v 36

Jesus says in Mark 14 v 36 “ Take this cup from me”
What is this cup?

Cup of Sorrow
Sorrow of having to see lost souls. The sorrow of weight of rejection knowing that these people were rejecting Christ but that ultimately perhaps they would be rejected by God on the day of judgement. Interesting side note: Jesus in John 17 prays for their forgiveness “for they know not what they are doing”, i.e these people are caught up in the whole plan of the father. They are only playing the part out in fulfilling scripture. Would God forgive them? Perhaps there would be plenty of opportunity afterwards whereby they would be able to recognise their sins and repent just as the centurion who stood below the cross perhaps did, when he recognised that Christ surely was the Son of God.

Cup of Anguish
Jesus would take on all of man’s anguish, fears and hurts. He also is full of anguish for the imminent event of death. His sweat is like blood falling from his brow (Luke 22 v 44) and he says “ My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” (Matthew 26 v 38).

Cup of Suffering
Jesus accepts his own suffering. The pain of the beatings, the pain of the whip, the pain of the crown of thorns and that of the cross he has to carry along the way to Golgotha. The pain of the nails in his hands and feet. Jesus also sees the suffering of the world. The pain of life without a saviour, the pain of the unfairness of life for those who have to bear hardship while others wallow in comfort and the pain of the persecutions of his own followers.

Cup of God’s wrath
As Jesus is on the cross dying, he cries out “ My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” God has turned away from his son, as Jesus takes upon himself the punishment for the sin of the world.
“The cup of God’s wrath may pass from guilty humanity only if Jesus Christ drinks it”.
Jesus accepts that he has to drink from the cup as John 18 v 11 “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”. He implies that whatever the Father has given to Jesus is good for him. As God is our Father, so must we learn to accept from Him whatever he gives us, as it is ultimately for our benefit. Jesus also indicates that he is obeying his Father and submits to Him. Whatever you say Father, I will do.
The cup of God’s wrath has been given / taken in several instances in the Bible.
Jeremiah 25 V 15 - 17 The cup is filled with the wine of God’s wrath. All nations shall drink it whom God sends Jeremiah to.
Psalm 75 The cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices in the hand of the Lord and it is poured out upon all wicked.
Zechariah 2 v 2 Jerusalem is a cup that sends all reeling.
Revelation 14 v 10 People will receive the wine of God’s fury for those who have the mark of the beast upon them.
Jeremiah 49 v 12 If those who do not deserve to drink the cup must drink it (Jesus?) Why do you not go unpunished?
The cup of God’s wrath contains wine with spices which is foaming - being fermented. On the cross Jesus was offered wine vinegar - a wine with vinegared spices. As soon as Jesus receives the drink he cries “It is finished”. Jesus has drunk from the cup God, his Father, had given him.
Jesus is our cupbearer too. He bears the cup for us. As one who served the King with wine, often having himself tasted it first for quality and as a safety measure. Jesus has tasted the wine first and now passes it to us after ensuring it is good for us to drink.