Christ: Reckless or Ready?

Does life jolt you awake or are you ready for trials?

Mark 14:32–51 NIV

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

Peter, James, and John:

Have all bragged about their worthiness

“watching” or being ready should be easy for these three giants

Jesus

Honest about His feelings

Knows where to turn with His troubles

Psalm 42:5 NIV

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Mark 14:32–51 NIV

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Jesus teaches us how to prepare:

Recognize who is in charge

Be honest with your doubts

Be resolved in your faith

Submission first, honesty always, Faithfulness forever

Mark 14:32–51 NIV

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”

- Neglect readiness, reap selfishness

- What you feed is what will be strongest

Spiritual readiness (maturity) comes with sacrifice

His will over ours

Spiritual disciplines are how we get there

Prayer

Fasting

Giving

Scripture reading

Mark 14:32–51 NIV

Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

This is a hectic scene

Strangers arresting strangers

Ears get hacked off

Reacting instead of responding

We are starting to see who is was prepared for the difficult times

Mark 14:32–51 NIV

“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled. A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him,

Jesus responds:

Steadied by prayer

Faith in the Word

Prepared to sacrifice

Your salvation was not an emotional outburst

Planned from all eternity

Prepared through a perfect life

Provided with great sacrifice

Likewise, your calling is to “watch”/prepare

Planned through prayer and Scripture

Practiced through fasting and giving

Ready and watching, not asleep and aloof

Ephesians 5:14–17 NIV

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.