The term "Cup of Sorrow" is a metaphorical expression often used to describe the intense suffering and anguish that Jesus Christ experienced, particularly in the context of His impending crucifixion. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is most prominently associated with Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Biblical Context

The imagery of the "cup" as a symbol of divine wrath or suffering is found throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, the cup often represents God's judgment and wrath upon nations and individuals. For instance, in Psalm 75:8, it is written, "For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices; He pours from it, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs." Similarly, in Isaiah 51:17, the prophet speaks of the "cup of His wrath."

In the New Testament, the "Cup of Sorrow" is most vividly depicted in the accounts of Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:39 , Jesus prays, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." Here, the "cup" signifies the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus is about to endure for the redemption of humanity. The anguish of this moment is further emphasized in Mark 14:36 , where Jesus says, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will."

Theological Significance

The "Cup of Sorrow" is a profound symbol of Jesus' obedience and submission to the Father's will. Despite the overwhelming agony that awaited Him, Jesus willingly accepted the cup, demonstrating His commitment to fulfilling the divine plan of salvation. This act of submission is a central tenet of Christian theology, highlighting the sacrificial love of Christ and His role as the mediator between God and humanity.

The concept also underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement. By drinking the "Cup of Sorrow," Jesus bore the weight of humanity's sins, satisfying the demands of divine justice and opening the way for reconciliation with God. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21 , "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

Application in Christian Life

For believers, the "Cup of Sorrow" serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption and the depth of Christ's love. It calls Christians to a life of gratitude, humility, and obedience, following the example of Jesus' submission to the Father's will. The metaphor also encourages believers to endure their own trials and sufferings with faith, trusting in God's ultimate purpose and plan.

In liturgical settings, the "Cup of Sorrow" is often reflected upon during the observance of the Lord's Supper, where the cup symbolizes the blood of Christ shed for the forgiveness of sins. This sacrament serves as a tangible reminder of the new covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice, as described in Luke 22:20 : "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you."

In summary, the "Cup of Sorrow" is a powerful biblical motif that encapsulates the suffering, obedience, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It invites believers to reflect on the profound mystery of salvation and to live in response to the grace and love demonstrated through the cross.Psalm 11:6
On the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
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Psalm 73:10
Therefore his people return here: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
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Psalm 75:8
For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he pours out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.
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Isaiah 51:17,22
Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which have drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; you have drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.
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Jeremiah 25:15-28
For thus said the LORD God of Israel to me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send you, to drink it.
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Ezekiel 23:31-34
You have walked in the way of your sister; therefore will I give her cup into your hand.
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Matthew 20:22,23
But Jesus answered and said, You know not what you ask. Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say to him, We are able.
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Matthew 26:39
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: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.
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Mark 14:36
And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what you will.
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Luke 22:42
Saying, Father, if you be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.
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John 18:11
Then said Jesus to Peter, Put up your sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father has given me, shall I not drink it?
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Revelation 14:10
The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
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LM Anonymous. "Let this Cup Pass from Me. "
... 2 Ah, thou who sorrow'st unto death, We conquer in thy mortal fray; And earth
for all her children saith, "O God, take not this cup away!". ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/131 l m anonymous let.htm

Out of the Deep of Suffering and Sorrow.
... Blessed news, that He who strikes will also heal; that He who gives the cup
of sorrow will also give the strength to drink it. Blessed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/i out of the deep.htm

The Comforter
... Blessed news, that He who strikes will also heal: that He who gives the
cup of sorrow, will also give the strength to drink it. ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xiv the comforter.htm

God's Cup of Myrrh
... CHAPTER LIII GOD'S CUP OF MYRRH. I would bear in my body the dying, Of Him who has
died for me ". ... Of Thine everlasting hills. In sorrow, in want, in dishonour,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter liii gods cup of.htm

Sorrowful yet Always Rejoicing.
... Alum thrown into muddy water will clarify it. The grace of God thrown into
a cup of sorrow will turn it to joy. Sorrows are needful. ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/sorrowful yet always rejoicing.htm

The Peaceable Fruits of Sorrows Rightly Borne
... And therein he strikes an eternally true note. It is good to be made to drink a
cup of sorrow. Flesh calls pain evil, but spirit knows it to be good. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the peaceable fruits of sorrows.htm

Melancholy.
... of our warmest affections disappear from around us; and every day some new misfortune
or some new loss adds some new tears to our cup of sorrow, from whose ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xx melancholy.htm

"Jesus Says So. "
... Her poor family tasted largely of the cup of sorrow, but poverty and distress, instead
of producing impatience and unkindness, seemed to bind each one more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/jesus says so/jesus says so.htm

Early History of American Lutheranism.
... 1671 to 1675, before long also began to do mission-work among the Swedes and Finns,
at the same time intriguing against Lock, whose cup of sorrow was already ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/early history of american lutheranism.htm

LM Bache. "Behold How He Loved Him. "
... 4 See how he loved, who never shrank From toil or danger, pain or death; Who
all the cup of sorrow drank, And meekly yielded up his breath. ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/123 l m bache behold.htm

Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.org

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Cup: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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