Image via Wikipedia BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GODAn Easter Series -- Part 3 of 7
Introduction
(Just after the Last Supper and the discourse and prayer recorded in John’s Gospel and just before Judas points out Jesus to the group which then takes Jesus into custody)
The Garden of Gethsemane (olive press) was frequented by Jesus and well known to His disciples, including Judas Iscariot. Located on the Mount of Olives. From the upper room, they crossed the Kidron valley, a dry creek bed.
I. Jesus’ Sorrow and Agony
A. Agony over His imminent suffering
B. Exceedingly sorrowful even unto death
C. Agony over the fact of the Father turning away from Him as the sin of the world would be laid upon Him.
Frederick W. Farrar (1831-1903), author of a well-known two-volume work, The Life of Christ, said the Lord’s “agonized failing of heart, this horror of great darkness, this passion which almost brought Him down to the grave before a single pang had been inflicted by Him” was not the dread of death.
No, it was something infinitely more than this … It was something far deadlier than death. It was the burden and the mystery of the world’s sin which lay heavy on his heart; it was the tasting, in the divine humanity of a sinless life, the bitter cup which sin had poisoned.
It was the dread of that moment when He would cry, “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken Me?” -- from One who had known only perfect harmony and acceptance with the Father.
D. Agony over knowing that His sacrifice would be rejected by many.
E. Could there be another way to accomplish His mission?
1. This can be thought of as His human will becoming submissive to the Father’s.
2. This finally resolves any possible question about what is the Father’s will.
II. Jesus’ Disciples
A. They were invited to participate, but were hindered by sleep.
B. Could you not watch with me one hour?
C. Can we pray in fellowship with Jesus, even for a short period of time?
“Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation….” (Matt. 26:41) -- they subsequently were scattered.
III. Jesus’ Prayer
“…Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matt. 26:39)
A. He prays three times
B. He checks on His disciples and warns them but excuses them.
“…the Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41)
C. His prayers become more intense.
Luke 22:43-44 -- “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground..”
IV. Jesus’ Victory and Resolve
Dietrich Bonhoffer, a German minister who was hanged by the Nazis after being imprisoned for two years in connection with the smuggling of some Jews, wrote in his book, The Cost of Discipleship:
“Jesus prays to his Father that the cup may pass from him, and His Father hears his prayer; for the cup of suffering will indeed pass from him -- but only by his drinking it. This is the assurance he receives as he kneels for the second time in the garden of Gethsemane that suffering will indeed pass as he accepts it. That is the only path to victory. The cross is his triumph over suffering.”
His prayer the second and third time, was, “ O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” (Matt. 26:42. See vv. 43-46.)
-- He fully accepted the will of the Father and affirmed it as His own.
A. There was no disharmony.
B. There was no further hesitation.
C. Jesus was firmly in control -- prepared for the greater suffering of His death on the cross.
D. There was no doubt about the outcome.
E. The disciples would be reassured and strengthened after His death and resurrection.
Conclusion
Jesus’ victory on the cross is, through His grace, our victory.
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version.
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