2016-03-13
Charles Billingsley
After Jesus and His disciples shared their last supper together, they made their way to the Garden of Gethsemane. It is here where Jesus was arrested and taken for trial and eventually would endure the cross the following morning. What happens in the garden is of utmost significance in the life of Jesus and His disciples.
Today, we look closely at the suffering of Christ, His heartfelt prayer to His father, and His warning to his dearest friends, Peter, James, and John.
Mark 14
The SETTING
vs. 32 – “Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane”
vs. 32 – 33a And he said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James and John with Him. The SUFFERING
vs. 33 – And He Peter, James and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.
vs. 34 – Then He said to them “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”
vs 35 – “He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.
1. Pray Faithfully
2. Pray authentically
3. Pray Intimately
vs. 36 – And He said, “Abba, Father”
4. Pray Fervently
vs. 36 – “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.”
5. Pray fearfully
vs. 36 – “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from me.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
The SUBMISSION
6. Pray submissively
vs. 36 – “Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”
The meaning of prayer, then, is not to force our will on God, but rather to surrender our will to His!!
vs. 39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
The Supremacy
Pray Confidently
Matthew 26:47-56 (NKJV) 47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish[a] by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” 55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.
Watch and Pray
36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” There is a two step formula to defeat temptation in your life:
1. Watch
1 Corinthians 16:13 – Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 1 Peter 4:7 – But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
2. PRAY
1. Faithfully – Pray often
2. Authentically – Pray honestly
3. Intimately – talk to your dad
4. Fervently – it’s ok to be passionate
5. Fearfully – respect His power
6. Submissively – Seek His will, not your own
7. Confidently – He is in control.