The God/Man in Gethsemane

Prayer

Matthew 26:36-46

Matthew 26:36–46 NKJV

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

Message

Can you imagine what was going through the mind of our dear Jesus during those days leading up to the cross? We all have experienced at some level two-face personalities. It is an awful feeling to be stabbed in the back or as people say today, thrown under the bus. It hurts immensely to find out after the fact that someone has had a hypocritical spirit toward us. Let’s be honest. It is very disconcerting and disheartening.

Can you imagine at every turn for Jesus that He knew what people were thinking or better yet, He knew how people were going to act before the arrest and those that wanted him murdered on a cross?

5 x “He knew their thoughts”, “He perceived their thoughts”

Matthew 9:4 “4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?”

And yet, he did not stop fulfilling His mission of dying for our sins. That is more than we can fathom.

Can you put yourself in Jesus’ place as He rides into Jerusalem on the donkey and the crowds cheer for Jesus, “Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest,” and we see them placing their cloaks on the ground, palm branches being waved. Oh’what a sight. The King has come!

But there was a different scene. Behind the crowds on the street, on the next line of people gathered, standing back are the religious elite of that day. They are grimacing, snarling and as the Bible states, “gnashing of teeth” over the way the crowds were cheering, worshipping, reverencing Jesus. Sheer hatred was exhibited all over the faces of Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes and rulers of the Synagogue. The religious elite if you will. And yet, Jesus pressed on toward the cross. Dearly beloved, legions of angels could have swooped down on Jesus’ command, but Jesus pressed on.

Matthew 26:53 “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?”

Matthew 26:55–56 “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.”

All the violence and yet Jesus amazing love for us is more than we can fathom.

Have you tried to put yourself in Jesus’ place in the upper room? We are celebrating the Passover, the last supper, and we know our betrayer is in our midst.

You want to be thankful I am not Jesus because in my carnality, I would have taken my knife and cut Judas’ toes off at the time I washed his feet. Not Jesus. Jesus loved everyone, even Judas and He loves you and me in spite of ourselves.

If I had the mind of Jesus and knew this man was going to be the culprit to point me out and have me seized by the High Priest and the temple guards, I would have been eating with him as if everything were okay as I sat right with him. And just when He least expects it, I would take his head and ram it into the table. Not Jesus. Jesus loves everyone, even Judas, no matter how bad they hated or betray Jesus. Listen, you can not hate Jesus enough that He doesn’t love you.

And then, to come to this time we study this morning in the Garden before Judas leads the High Priest and the Captain of the temple and temple guards to seize Him and yet Jesus pressed toward the mission of the cross. He did it because He loved them and He loves you and me just that much. Amen.

I want us to look at three themes that are conveyed in the Gethsemane account that I believe we can make application of as Jesus Followers. There are many themes, but let’s focus on three this morning.

The first theme I want us to reflect on this morning is Solidarity.

Solidarity

Jesus exemplified solidarity even in the darkest moments leading up to the cross.

The question is-being that Jesus was the God/Man-God Incarnate, what brought about His solidarity when we see on the pages especially in this section of this text, His humanity. For example:

“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.” “Lord, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me ; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

When we truly see the human emotion jumping off the page, what steadied His mission?

Jesus’ solidarity was rooted in unity with His Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit, and yes, with His disciples.

Jesus’ solidarity was rooted in His unity with the Godhead and His disciples. Jesus desired a sense of community and companionship.

Matthew 26:36 “36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.””

The question you might immediately ask is:

If Jesus knows all, He knew everything that was to come, out of His love for His disciples, why did Jesus put them right in the center of the conflict and chance of murder?

Firstly, knowing that Jesus did know all that was going to take place, even the betrayal, the denying of Peter, and the dispersion of all the disciples, I think we can gather that Jesus was demonstrating His solidarity. They were going to need solidarity in the days ahead. Jesus manifested where His solidarity in the humanity of Jesus’ actions. Solidarity was rooted in a unity with the Godhead, meaning the Holy Spirit and His Heavenly Father, but also with His companions, the disciples. The disciples would find unity would be the driving force to insure their solidarity in the spread of the gospel in the days ahead.

Jesus called the disciples, eleven at this point because Judas had already departed to seek out the high priest and his entourage. Jesus left eight of the disciples at the gate of the garden to watch, but He called His inner three in His circle, Peter, James and John to come on in further.

Isaiah 55:9 “9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

We are blessed in Jesus’ humanity to extract from His earthly example how we live as His followers, “little Christs.”

Jesus exemplified that the Christian life is better together than apart. Jesus time and again conformed to His Father’s will here on earth.

In verse 39, we see that Jesus did not act outside the will of the Father. Again in verse 42 we see that Jesus conferred with His heavenly Father.

We studied this just a few days ago.

The Tempting by Satan in the Wilderness

Luke 4:1–2 “1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.”

The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:17 “17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.””

The Mt. of Transfiguration

Matthew 17:5 “5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!””

The greatest witness we see in Jesus was His love, His obedience and unity to the Father and the Holy Spirit. These were the building blocks to Jesus’ solidarity.

Jesus defines unity for us in those relationships.

“Sit here while I go and pray over there.”

One measure of solidarity is spelled out in this phrase.

Unity with the Godhead and Unity with Each Other

An important aspect of solidarity is unity with Jesus and our unity with each other.

How is unity expressed?

Our unity is expressed in obedience.

Notice what the text states in verse 37 & 38:

Matthew 26:37–38 “37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.””

Notice in this scenario that whether you read Matt.’s acct, Luke 22:40-46, or Mark 14:32-42, there are no words recorded in the Garden scene of any comments made by the disciples. The only comments are words that Jesus stated to the disciples. Yes, Jesus needed moral, emotional, physical and yes, spiritual support in His humanity as both God and man.

The humanity of Jesus pours from the pages in these verses.

Jesus called on them for support. Jesus was anguished that He would die a sinners death that knew no sin. We know His greatest anguish was separation from that unity, the turning of His Heavenly Father’s head on sin when at noon the world went dark. We know Holy God will have no part with sin. And out of Jesus great love for us, with all that unity temporarily severed, Jesus took our sins in our place. Who can fathom His great love.

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us Lyrics by Stuart Townend

How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure, That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss – The Father turns His face away, As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders; Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life – I know that it is finished.

Jesus actually verbalized “my soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.” We know how the moments ahead anguished our dear Jesus.

Luke 22:44 “44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus did not ask them to pray with Him on this occasion.

This communicates a great deal about our nature and what ministers to us.

I quite often hear people say “I do not visit people or I do not go to the hospitals or funerals, that is not my gift. I do not know what to say in those situations.”

Interestingly, we see here that Jesus simply wanted their presence. Dearly beloved, it is not so much what you say that is important as what you convey in love by your presence.

We know that in this dire time of need in Jesus’ humanity, the disciples failed Jesus because He asked them to watch and instead they slept.

Isn’t it interesting the number of parables Jesus stated about watching, staying spiritually ready in the Bible?

Mark 13:32–37 “32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!””

The stories of the virgins keeping their lamps lit not knowing when the bridegroom will be back. All through the Word of God we are called to be spiritual alert. One of those ways we stay spiritually alert is being bonded with Jesus and with each other.

Look at what Jesus states:

Matthew 26:40–41 “40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.””

These disciples on this occasion were caught off guard. They were caught with their spiritual pants down. They for the moment allowed their unity, their communion to become fragmented.

I find it interesting the following debacle of events. I wonder in that moment of lack of obedience and not following Jesus, if that was the single event that caused their disunity, their failure, their departure from the scene?

Notice closely, Jesus stated these words to Peter. And yet, Peter was the most boistrous in His spiritual piousness in the verses before.

Interestingly, Peter overreacted and cut off the ear of Malchus in the Garden.

John 18:10 “10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.”

This is the same Peter that stated Jesus, I will never deny you.

Look with me in the verses before.

Matthew 26:30–35 “30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.”

Notice an important truth about our unity. Our unity is only as solid as our unity to the Father. Jesus was loyal to His Heavenly Father as He was unified with the disciples.

It is in that same unity outside of Jesus that can lead us down wrong paths.

John 21:1–3 “1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.”

These men followed each other. Jesus came and redirected them.

I have a couple of thoughts I want you to ponder. Our solidarity rests in our unity to Jesus and His teachings. Unity to Jesus is demonstrated by living a life that is pleasing in His sight. Are you solid because of your unity with Jesus?

Secondly, solidarity is defined as being connected with the people of God. Are you engaged with His people? Are you a part? Do you participate? When we think of obedience, do you do your part in what’s expected of a believer and serving His church?

Supplication

WE see that in Jesus’ finest hour that prayer and supplication would be the food to sustain Him in His cause. Prayer would be the ointment for His soul. We have discussed prayer at length in days ahead but I want to remind us of Jesus’ exemplary prayer life.

Prayer is determined. I am convinced that Jesus knew He would pray before He ever entered the Garden. Jesus habitually prayed.

“Sit here while I go and pray over there.

—point in time

-place

-private

-particular plans, passions, problems, pains you. Jesus put Himself in a place that was conducive to prayer. We read time and again that Jesus moved away from a group to have a time alone with the Lord.

Matthew 6:6 “6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

2. Prayer is disclosure. We see a pouring out of Jesus and His estate at that moment. He was sorrowful and He asked His Heavenly Father-is there any other way this can be accomplished? If not, not my will but yours be done.

3. Prayer is a defense.

Matthew 26:41 “41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.””

Dearly beloved, a strong offense is a great defense. Prayer places the armor of God on us to fend off the devil and his wiles and schemes.

Sacrifice

Matthew 26:45 “45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.”

Let’s ask the first question again.

If Jesus knows all, He knows everything, out of His love for His disciples, why did Jesus place them this close to the fire of what was getting ready to happen?

Jesus wanted to teach the great example of love. Love equals sacrifice.

Did not Jesus teach this to Peter and the disciples when He redirected them following His resurrection?

John 21:15–17 “15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”

Jesus was saying to Peter and those disciples that its one thing to say you love me, you proved that when the heat gets in the kitchen you are capable of running out of the fire. But, if you really love me, love is sacrifice. I do not only want you to say that you love my sheep, but that you feed and tend to my sheep.

I like a statement that always challenges me as a Pastor.

“They do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Jesus Paid it All lyrics

1 I hear the Savior say, "Thy strength indeed is small, Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all."

Refrain: Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Oh dear brother or sister, this morning I can say with all the confidence in this world that Jesus loves you more than life itself. He exhibited solidarity by His unity with the Father, the Holy Spirit, and His disciples. Jesus teaches that life with the sorrows this world affords must call for supplication, asking God’s help to save us. Lastly, sacrifice, Jesus paid it all, He paid the sin debt for all mankind that will accept Him, but if for no one else, Jesus would have died for you to offer you life.

Let’s pray.