The First “Yes”/ Mark 14:32-42

The Easter season is bright and beautiful. It should be, the Father said “yes” to raise his son from the dead. But this amazing victory in the garden of the resurrection would not have been possible if Jesus didn’t find victory in the garden of Gethsemane, when he said “yes” to the cup of God’s judgement toward sin.

32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” Explain the beauty of the garden. Olive press imagery. There was something different about this night. 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.” The men who were with him on the mountain of transfiguration, would now be with him in the valley of his deepest sorrow.

But why is he troubled? Some martyrs faced death with singing and courage. We discover the answer…

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, a phrase of intimate connection all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

It was the cup of wrath that made him troubled.

He drank the cup, so that you do not have to.

If there is any other way: we have the answer. No other savior. No other practice. No other God. No other good deed - could save us.

But we have a tendency to over rate our commitment to God and under rate God’s faithfulness to us.

29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.”

Let’s see how this is going…

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?

Their weakness of body overcame their spiritual desires. But Jesus’ strength in spirit overcame his trembling body. What was the difference? Prayer - an active and close relationship with God the Father. This spiritual strength enabled him to say the first “yes.”

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.”

He was able to rise to face his destiny because he lowered himself in prayer and humble dependence.

Pray for the students.