His Final Days The Garden 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 asleep, 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 youstill 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."

I. The Lord’s prayer was personal

    He went off alone

II. The Lord’s posture in prayer

     A. His boldness

     B. His humility

III. The disciples’ passiveness in prayer

      Their eyes were heavy

IV. The purpose of prayer

       A. To converse with the Father

       B. To be comforted by the Father

       C. To be strengthened by the Father

       D. To find the will of the Father

       E. To receive power over temptation

What is the significance of Jesus going off alone to pray in Gethsemane?

How does Jesus’ approach to prayer in Gethsemane exemplify His relationship with the Father?

In what ways can we emulate Jesus' boldness and humility in our own prayers?

Why were the disciples unable to stay awake and pray with Jesus?

What distractions can make our spiritual 'eyes heavy' in today's busy world, similar to the disciples?

Why do you think Jesus asked the disciples to watch and pray rather than just pray?