GOLGOTHA WORKSHEET

From Gethsemane to Golgotha: The Pathway to Glory

Bible Passage: Mark 14:32–52, Mark 15:6–32

Summary: These passages highlight Jesus' deep agony in Gethsemane and his subsequent trials leading to the crucifixion, revealing the profound struggle and ultimate obedience of the Son of God in securing redemption for humanity.

Application: This sermon can offer Christians hope and strength in their own trials, illustrating how suffering and obedience can lead to triumph and glory. It encourages believers to trust God during their dark moments, knowing that these experiences can lead to spiritual growth and glorification.

Teaching: This sermon teaches about the depth of Jesus' suffering and His unwavering commitment to fulfill God's plan, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, demonstrating that true glory often emerges from deep struggles and surrender.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Christ is portrayed as the suffering servant who willingly submits to God’s will, which fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah and reveals the heart of God’s redemptive plan through suffering and death leading to resurrection and glory.

Big Idea: The pathway to glory often winds through suffering and obedience, as exemplified by Jesus in His journey from Gethsemane to Golgotha, reminding us that God can bring triumph from our trials.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the Greek terms used in Mark's account to deepen your understanding of Jesus' emotional experience in Gethsemane. Seek insights from commentaries on the theological implications of His suffering, particularly how they relate to the themes of atonement and redemption. Use Logos to compare textual variants in the passion narrative that could provide deeper exegetical insights on the significance of Christ's responses.

1. Gethsemane: Grounds of Agony

Mark 14:32-42

You could emphasize Jesus' deep emotional struggle in Gethsemane, highlighting His submissive prayer and obedience despite the looming crucifixion. This point helps believers understand that even Jesus faced intense emotional and spiritual agony, yet He remained committed to God's will. Emphasizing Christ's humanity here reminds us that through our own prayers and submission, we, too, can receive strength to face trials.

2. Betrayal: Bondage and Boldness

Mark 14:43-52

Perhaps explore the betrayal by Judas and the disciples' flight, shedding light on Jesus' resolve and the loneliness of His path. This point can illustrate that even when people falter around us, we must remain steadfast. Jesus' unwavering commitment, even in betrayal, models for us a faithfulness that’s not dependent on others’ actions.

3. Trial: Triumph Over Injustice

Mark 15:6-20

Focus on the injustice of Jesus' trial and ridicule by the soldiers, drawing parallels between earthly injustice and the heavenly plan. Even in the midst of being wronged, Jesus’ patience exemplified the higher purpose of His mission. This can encourage believers to see beyond present injustices to the greater purposes God might have at work.

4. Golgotha: Glory in Sacrifice

Mark 15:21-32

Maybe highlight the crucifixion where Jesus’ apparent defeat was the moment of our victory. Reflect on how God often works His greatest triumphs through seeming defeats. Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate transition from suffering to glory, providing hope that in our losses, God is crafting victory and resurrection.