The final stop of the road, Pastor Dave takes us through Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane and discusses how we can prepare for the pressing of life. Following the message, Dave and Pastor Andrew host a Q&A from live viewers.
Recap:
Clarity led to love and worship
Jesus simplifies to remember the core, his death & resurrection
Matt. 26:36-38: Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Jesus decides not to face his agony alone
Jesus didn’t hide his strong emotions, but brought them to the Father
Matt. 26:39: Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
“Jesus’ use of the word Abba in address in God is unparalleled in the whole of Jewish literature” – Jeremias
Isaiah 53:5: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; he punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
2 Cor. 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us
1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins”in his body on the cross
Jesus chose obedience to the plan with his Father over his own desire in the moment
Life does not end here!
Matt. 26:40-44 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping.“Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?”he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed,“ My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Although we are wired not to be alone, only God can be fully dependable
When he needed strength, Jesus went to pray to his Father
Matt. 26:45-46 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them,“Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Courage of Jesus
Our preparation in prayer allows us stand in the press of life.