Matthew 26:36-39
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.” 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.”
Matthew 26:38
. . . “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death . . .
Luke 22:44:43
An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.
Luke 44:44
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
• Jesus willingly laid down His life for us.
Ezekiel 23:32
This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “You will drink your sister’s cup, a cup large and deep; it will bring scorn and derision, for it holds so much.”
Isaiah 51:17
Awake, awake! Rise up, Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath, you who have drained to its dregs the goblet that makes people stagger.
1 Peter 2:21-22
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
1) Speak Truth.
• God’s word dispels darkness, doubt, and deception.
2 Corinthians 4:13
It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,
• God’s word can become living and active in our life.
2) Stay Compassionate.
1 Peter 2:23
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.
• Jesus saw their heart and forgave their weakness.
Matthew 26:50
Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” . . .
• We often give up what we want now for what we want most.
3) Submit Willingly.
1 Peter 2:23
. . . when he suffered, he made no threats. \Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
• Jesus was honest with God about His struggle to obey.
Psalm 51:6 (NKJV)
. . . You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom.
• Our obedience to God is never just about us.
Isaiah 48:17
. . . , I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
• We have to trust that God always has our best in mind.
Questions:
1. What did you hear from the Holy Spirit?
2. What will you do because of it?
3. How can we pray for you?