
Mark 14:32-42 (ESV)
32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
Intro: What makes you look at someone and conclude, “They lost”?
STARING INTO THE ABYSS
As the LORD acquaints us with our frailty, how does it accentuate His glory?
OVERWHELMING FAILURE
In our fallen condition, how are we fickle, faithless and weak?
RESOLUTE AGONY
What is amazing about what Jesus willingly takes on for us?
YOU CAN PRAY WITH US …
1 - Worship the LORD for His abounding mercy to love and save people like us. Praise Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that He can work through unimaginable horrors to bring us into the place of blessing and peace.
2 - How have you lived denying that you are weak, or that you need God’s work to cleanse you or make you whole? Confess your helplessness to Jesus, asking Him to forgive your pride and heal you to be truly loyal to Him.
3 - Give thanks to Jesus for His saving work to willingly bear our guilt by His death, and heal our brokenness by His resurrection. Thank Him for drinking the cup of wrath we deserve so that we can have the cup of peace that only He deserves.
4 - Who do you know that lives trying to negotiate with God? Pray for them, asking the Lord to help them instead to trust Him, and cry out for God to have His way with them.
5 - Pray for the Holy Spirit’s work to show you where you are still trying to win Jesus’ love instead of resting in His gospel. And as Jesus’ work was fueled by what we need, pray for a renewed heart to act in light of what people around you need.