Going Deeper
Notes
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Intro
Intro
I must admit, kids are growing up in social media accounts, smart phones, and virtual reality video games have noting compared to those of us who are older than 30. We had such games as an Etch-A-Sketch, Gumby and even…Connect The Dots. You remember that fun car-ride activity don’t you. [Slide - 2] Oh, man, what can it be!!! (Audience participation) [Slide - 3] Your good! Most times, when doing these I could figure-out the picture before even drawing the lines.
Sometimes, however, I couldn’t [Slide - 4]. Even with a little help and a few less dots, I still couldn’t figure-it-out. [Slide - 5]
Even with a little help and a few less dots, I still couldn’t figure-it-out. [Slide - 4] Even if I was to give you the final picture, I bet you would have a hard time putting this picture together.
In many ways our lives of following Jesus is a lot like a game of connect the dots. We know the final picture, we will one day be like Jesus. As we grow in our knowledge of the Bible we start to add dots. As we grow in the disciplines of prayer or Bible reading, we add dots to the picture. However, there is a problem with the picture many of us are drawing, we are just a page full of dots. We are lacking the line that makes the dots a picture. Some of you can feel that something is missing. You have a longing within yourself for something more, something deeper than the Me and Jesus you are accustomed to.
Sometimes, however, even with a little help ore often then not, when I was doing
Some of you can feel that something is missing.
That is because you were created for something more than Me and Jesus. As a new creature in Christ, you were created to live a life in community, to live a life of Us and Jesus. That is the line that makes all these dots into the beautiful picture - relationships. For [Slide - 5] Following Jesus is relational. Discipleship is inherently relational.
discipleship, the act of loving God and others while putting God’s truth into action, is inherently relational.
This makes sense because 59x’s in the New Testament God uses the phrase “one another” to shares with us the basis of all true Christian community. For example, He tells us to:
Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)
To care for one another ()
Speak the truth in love to one another (, )
Bear with one another ()
The line that connects the dots is relationships. Over the month of January we will be exploring the topic of relationships.
One more
ome of you feel that way in regards to your walk with Jesus. You learn truths about God and His Word. You learn disciples like prayer, giving and serving. Yet, your walk with Jesus seems to go
Some of you feel that way in regards to your walk with Jesus. You learn truths about God and His Word. You learn disciples like prayer, giving and serving. Yet, your walk with Jesus seems to go
In this 4-week sermon series, we will offer you a biblical foundation for the truth that people are made for deep and meaningful relationships.
From the relationship within the Trinity to going deeper in our own relationships, we want to CONNECT THE DOTS about how vital CONNECTING is.
Jesus chose twelve men to be with him. Of these twelve disciples, we are told that three, Peter, James and John, were selected to be a sort of “inner circle”. We don’t exactly know why Jesus pulled these men aside and invested time in them. They were clearly not men of polish, prestige and influence. They were certainly not the brightest and most refined that could have been chosen. Yet, Jesus singling these three men out to witness major events, unique opportunities that were unavailable to anyone else.
Question: Why should I invest in deep, Christ-centered relationships?
Question: Why should I invest in deep, Christ-centered relationships?
Pray
Jesus knew that to make disciples he would have to invest time in the lives of others - disciples are made through intentional, relational investment in the lives of a few (discipleship is inherently relational).
chose twelve men to be with him (disciples or apostles). Each had a divine purpose for the kingdom of God during their lifetime and in the future (ex. ; ).
Transition: As you all know, Jesus chose twelve men to be with him. Of these twelve disciples, we are told that three, Peter, James and John, were selected to be a sort of “inner circle”. We don’t exactly know why Jesus pulled these men aside and invested time in them. They were clearly not men of polish, prestige and influence. They were certainly not the brightest and most refined that could have been chosen. Yet, multiple times in the Gospels we see Jesus singling these three men out to witness major events. They were given unique opportunities that were unavailable to anyone else.
Of these twelve disciples, we are told that three, Peter, James and John, were selected to be a sort of “inner circle”. We don’t exactly know why Jesus pulled these men aside and invested time in them, for they were clearly not men of polish, prestige and influence. They lacked the formal education and rhetorical training (cf. ) and they were certainly not the brightest and most refined that could have been chosen. Yet, multiple times in the Gospels we see Jesu singling them out and set apart from the others to witness major events that the others were not. They were given unique opportunities that were unavailable to anyone else.
Jesus chose twelve men (disciples or apostles) to be with him
Of these twelve disciples, we are told that three, Peter, James and John, were selected to be a sort of “inner circle”. We don’t exactly know why Jesus pulled these men aside and invested time in them. They were clearly not men of polish, prestige and influence. They lacked the formal education and rhetorical training (cf. ). They were certainly not the brightest and most refined that could have been chosen. Yet, multiple times in the Gospels we see Jesus singling these three men out, setting them apart from the others to witness major events. They were given unique opportunities that were unavailable to anyone else.
For this reason, He chose twelve men to be with him. Of these twelve disciples, we are told that three, Peter, James and John, were selected to be a sort of “inner circle”. We don’t exactly know why Jesus pulled these men aside and invested time in them. They were clearly not men of polish, prestige and influence. They lacked the formal education and rhetorical training (cf. ). They were certainly not the brightest and most refined that could have been chosen. Yet, multiple times in the Gospels we see Jesus singling these three men out, setting them apart from the others to witness major events. They were given unique opportunities that were unavailable to anyone else.
The question is why? Why did Jesus invest deeply in the lives of the twelve? Why not focus on the masses? Why did He then focus on three specifically? And as we are suppose to follow Christ’s example - [Slide - 6]
Question: Why should I invest in deep, Christ-centered relationships?
Question: Why should I invest in deep, Christ-centered relationships?
Through His time with the disciples, Jesus knew He needed to encourage and guide them to internalize His message, to internalize His mission. That’s why “Jesus leadership development of his under-shepherds was not so much a course or a curriculum as it was a shared life.” For special things happen when you share your life with others. [Slide - 7] For one, you find a place where...
One reason, what motivated Jesus to invest in the twelve and specifically to the three - Jesus knew being a disciple is all about relationships - discipleship is inherently relational. Through His time with the disciples, Jesus knew He needed to encourage and guide them to internalize His message, to internalize his mission. “Jesus leadership development of his under-shepherds was not so much a course or a curriculum as it was a shared life.”
“Jesus leadership development of his under-shepherds was not so much a course or a curriculum as it was a shared life.”
Special things happen in Christ when you commit to deep relationships. For one, you find a place where...
I believe the reason
However, this morning we are going to look at two occurrences found where Jesus did focus on His inner circle.
As we look that these passages, I believe we are going to see
As we study them I believe we are going to find a few reasons why
Jesus knew that
Jesus knew that to make disciples he would have to invest time in the lives of others - disciples are made through intentional, relational investment in the lives of a few (discipleship is inherently relational).
Take note also why the Lord Jesus appointed the twelve disciples (whom he also named apostles):
The raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead - ; -55The Transfiguration of Christ on the Mount - -2Christ's travail in prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane - ;
so that they might be with him andhe might send them out to preach andhave authority to cast out demons. ()
So the twelve Apostles were important followers/ministers who were chosen by the Lord, each with a purpose during their lifetime and in the future (e.g. , ). Interestingly, the number of Christ's disciples rose to 70 before His crucifixion () and 120 after His resurrection ().
We do not exactly know why Jesus pulled these men aside and invested time in them, for they were clearly not men of polish, prestige and influence. They lacked the formal education and rhetorical training (cf. ) and they were certainly not the brightest and most refined that could have been chosen. Yet, multiple times in the Gospels we see Jesu singling them out and set apart from the others. They were given unique opportunities that were unavailable to anyone else. They formed, if you will, Jesus “inner circle”.
Turn with me to where the writer records for us Jesus healing of Jarius’ daughter. From here we learn that...
From His example, Jesus teaches us that, in these deep, Christ-centered relationships...
The raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead - ; -55The Transfiguration of Christ on the Mount - -2Christ's travail in prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane - ;
The raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead - ; -55The Transfiguration of Christ on the Mount - -2Christ's travail in prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane - ;
Context
Earlier in the chapter Jesus and the disciples had
Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.
Luke
Luke
Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
I. You Can Let Your Walls Down
I. You Can Let Your Walls Down
Luke 9:
Walls of protection + safety
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
Milestone in Jesus’ ministry marked by prayer ()
Jesus sends the twelve out two-by-two for ministry
Upon their return they share with Jesus all that God had done through them
Sends disciples out two by two
Feed 5,000
He has His disciples aside, the crowds had follow and He then feeds 5,000
Now, Jesus focus’ on time alone with the twelve to:
Prepare them for what would happen to Him in Jerusalem
He wanted them to
They needed to learn what it truly meant to be a disciple - to take up one’s cross and follow Him (cf. ).
And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
In addition, they needed to learn what it truly meant to be a disciple - to take up one’s cross and follow Jesus (cf. -27).
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for you to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit your very self?
Luke 9:23-
He then teaches them about His coming suffering and death
Since, Peter’s confessing Jesus as the Christ (all the apostles except Judas - ) meant that the Twelve could learn more about His coming suffering and death (cf. ).
Something that Peter had opposed at first hearing of it (cf. )
Now that they were clear in their confession of faith (all except Judas—), the Twelve could learn more about Christ’s coming suffering and death. Matthew tells us that Peter opposed the plan (), so Jesus had to explain to him and his associates the meaning of the cross. Peter was a saved man, but he knew little about discipleship, taking up a cross, and following Jesus.
Learn what it truly meant to be a disciple [Slide - 8]
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
Jesus
:28-
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for you to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit your very self? If any of you are ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
Luke 9:
Eight days later, Jesus takes the three apostles up to the mountain top to pray
Eight days after this teaching, Jesus takes the three apostles up to the mountain top to pray
As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
His prayer was personal b/c prayers like this always are
Jesus was most likely praying about His impending death (disciples didn’t understand yet)
Something the disciples still did not quite understand
Jesus is transfigured before them (“changed” - Greek: metamorphosis)
Face and clothing
Immediately reminded those present of Moses’ face shining with a bright light when he received the tablets of the Law ()
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.
I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
Exodus 34:
This was not from the outside in but from the inside out
Moses & Elijah
They symbolically represented the Law and the Prophets (Jesus fulfilled)
Moses and Elijah represent the two principal components of the Old Testament: the Law and the Prophets.
Symbolically showed that what Jesus was about to do fulfilled was pointed to by the Law and the Prophets
Symbolically showed that what Jesus was about to do fulfilled was pointed to by the Law and the Prophets
Moses and Elijah came to talk with him about his “departure” = death an ascension
No one on earth understood the heart of Jesus
As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
Moses was the giver of the Law, and Elijah was considered the greatest of the prophets.
As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
“Cloud appeared and covered them” = Blue Ridge Parkway
The voice affirmed all that Jesus had taught (cf. )
Peter:
He assumed the kingdom had come
Build booths like Israel did during the Feast of Booths - festival of ingathering long associated with the coming kingdom
Built booths like Israel did during the Feast of Booths - festival of ingathering long associated with the coming kingdom
Peter made the problem of equating Jesus with Moses - God’s voice
Summary: Two things happened when Jesus intentionally spent time with these men on this mountain
Jesus’ heart was strengthened as He was praying about His approaching death
Strengthen the heart of Jesus as He was praying about His approaching death
Through presence of Father, Elijah and Moses
Through the presence of the disciples
The faith of the disciples was strengthened- presence of Jesus in His glory for the challenges they would later endure
Faith of the disciples strengthened
Faith of the disciples strengthened
For the challenges they would later endure
Principle: Both Jesus and the disciples were strengthened as Jesus intentionally spent time with these men. He allowed them behind the walls, so they could see His glory (cf. ), and have their lives forever changed (; ).
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
exposed them to His life in all it’s fulness so to speak and
The only way for Jesus’ life and mission to be internalized by His disciples was if they knew in-depth His person and mission. This required that his disciples have consistent, continuous exposure to his life so he could speak to the real stuff of their lives in their context of honest and open conversation.
d3e
It made a HUGE impact on these men (Peter + John talked about it in their letters)
Only Peter, James and John experienced this (Peter + John talked about it in their letters)
Peter, James and John experienced this (Peter + John talked about it in their letters)
of these only happened when Jesus let his walls down () and show them a bit of His glory
It’s when you let someone past the superficial and let someone into the intimate and personal areas of your level.
when you enter into an emotional relationship with someone, that is where people’s faith is strengthened. It
When you allow yourself to put the walls down, to let someone into the intimate and personal areas of your level, when you enter into an emotional relationship with someone, that is where people’s faith is strengthened. It
Its one thing to hear about peoples struggles and
The faith of the one who is going through a hard can strengthen the faith of their friends or vice versa, the faith of those watching can
The fact that these two figures “spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem” illustrates that the Law and the Prophets point forward to the Messiah and his sufferings.
The Transfiguration was a special event in which God allowed certain apostles to have a privileged spiritual experience that was meant to strengthen their faith for the challenges they would later endure. But it was only a temporary event. It was not meant to be permanent.
In the same way, at certain times in this life, God may give certain members of the faithful (not all of the faithful, all the time), special experiences of his grace that strengthen their faith.
We should welcome these experiences for the graces they are, but we should not expect them to continue indefinitely, nor should we be afraid or resentful when they cease.
They may have been meant only as momentary glimpses of the joy of heaven to sustain us as we face the challenges of this life, to help strengthen us on the road that will--ultimately--bring us into the infinite and endless joy of heaven.
Christ’s Transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles’ faith in anticipation of his Passion: the ascent onto the 'high mountain' prepares for the ascent to Calvary.
faith will be challenged
This made a lasting impact on the disciples
When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
The verb is an intensive perfect, which indicates that this scene produced lasting effects on the disciples. [Slide - 9]
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
“Appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white” = The transfiguration was not from the outside in but from the inside out. Jesus’ “person” was transfigured before His clothing. “Clothing became dazzling white” = Foreshadowing of the glory of the Son of Man when He returns?
[Slide - 10]
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only ⌈Son⌉, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Christ, Head of the Church, manifests what his Body contains and radiates in the sacraments: ‘the hope of glory’ [CCC 568].
Moses and Elijah represent the two principal components of the Old Testament: the Law and the Prophets.
Moses was the giver of the Law, and Elijah was considered the greatest of the prophets.
Application: Something powerful happens to us as we allow others behind the walls of our lives, lasting effects. In one instance faith is strengthened as others learn that you are human too, that you have struggles and that your faith wavers at times. In other instances you learn that people care enough about you, like you enough to enter into those relationships.
The fact that these two figures “spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem” illustrates that the Law and the Prophets point forward to the Messiah and his sufferings.
This foreshadows Jesus' own explanation, on the road to Emmaus, of the Scriptures pointing to himself (cf. , ).
I am currently involved in such a Christ-centered relationship with three men every Tuesday morning. We meet, study Scripture together and walk through life together. The comfort, strength and encouragement I have received as a result of these weekly meetings has been huge.
In one instance faith is strengthened as others learn that you are human too, that you have struggles and that your faith wavers at times. It
Transition: Following this same pattern, Jesus, towards the end of His ministry separates these three disciples aside again to pray. In this instance, Jesus’ actions show us that [Slide - 11] you also find a place where...
e learn that in these deep relationships, you can Not Only Let Your Walls Down but you can also find a place where...
II. You Can Ask For Help
II. You Can Ask For Help
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
“Gethsemane” = Garden of olive trees 3/4 of a mile from the walls of Jerusalem
He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.
He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Matthew 26:37
The eight would serve as the outer guard by the gate of the garden to alert Him to the coming of Judas
The three would share in Jesus agony of soul He was already experiencing
Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Matthew 28:38-39
The three would share in Jesus agony of soul He was already experiencing
Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
The three would share in Jesus agony of soul He was already experiencing
Jesus was broken
He’s praying that the Father would take the “cup” (cup of death for the sin of the world)
He was not afraid that He would die but He instinctively shrank from the cup [Slide - 12]
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
He asks these three men, those closest to Him, to “stay here and keep watch with me” for strength and help [Slide - 13]
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Jesus was broken
Mount of Transfiguration - Jesus allowed them in His presence for their benefit
Garden of Gethsemane - Jesus desired the companionship and human sympathy as he sought help from the Father in prayer
He humbly relies in this moment on the presence of three disciples for help, strength and encouragement [Slide - 8]
To fulfill the will of His Father, Jesus chose and wanted help from His disciples.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
To fulfill the will of His Father, Jesus chose and wanted help from His disciples.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
He was not afraid that He would die but He instinctively shrank from the cup [Slide - 9]
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Reality: The disciples disappointed Him
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Matthew 26:39-
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
The disciples disappointed Him
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Reality: The disciples disappointed Him
He was not afraid that He would die but He instinctively shrank from the cup [Slide - 9]
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
He was not afraid that He woudl die before the
Matthew 29:
Matthew 26:4
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.
Excuse for going deeper - I’ve tried this and people have disappointed me
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Honestly, that’s what relationships are like! We are broken people who disappoint.
Jesus prayed, all the while, the disciples slept
Matthew 26:39-
Get this - Jesus knew they would fall asleep yet He still invited them, He still wanted their help.
For the disciples, at this moment of His deepest pain, they may have fell asleep but they are there!
Jesus used their laziness as an opportunity for them to grow!
He even used the moment to teach then - “watch and pray so that you don’t fall into temptation”
Did not want them to enter into the temptation He was struggling with, to obey God’s will, due to their being lazy
Application: An excuse you might use in going deeper into deep relationships with other believers - they disappoint/hurt you. Honestly, that’s what relationships are like! We are broken people who disappoint, often when you need them most.
For it only when, in the context of these relationships that growth happens when we work through these issues together.
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
be your excuse for going deeper in relationships with people - they disappoint/hurt you. Honestly, that’s what relationships are like! We are broken people who disappoint, often when you need them most. However, we cannot allow this to be an excuse to pull back from these relationships. Nor does it mean that all the time we got to know them was for nothing. On the contrary, its when during these though situations that we grow when we press into them even more.
You’ve experienced this before in some of the deep relationships in your lives. Teenagers, did you give up on your parents the first time they made a mistake or dropped the ball? Parents? Husband? Wife? Of course not!
Might be your excuse for going deeper in relationships with people - they disappoint/hurt you
As we stick around, we and they grow, as we show forgiveness and love for those who have offended us.
Truth: The best lessons come from doing the hardest things!
We grow in these deep, committed relationships as we show forgiveness and love for those who have offended us.
This same type of growth is available to each of us in Christ when we:
Consistently + Intentionally Spend Time with a few
In this relationship:
Let our walls down - let someone into the intimate and personal areas of our lives
Let Our Walls Down
Ask For Help
We find the sense of belonging and friendship that we so desperately long for, by people who know us for who we are. We experience God’s comfort as His people comfort us in our deepest times of need. We begin to connect the dots of all of these Bible truths and disciplines as we live out God’s word with one another.
others to our lives (spend time with others and open up), when we allow a few to get past the superficial and let someone into the intimate and personal areas, we earn the right to speak to the real stuff of their lives in open and honest conversation. We can begin to fulfill all of those one another passages in Scripture in the way God intended us to do.
When we consistently, continuously expose others to our lives (spend time with others and open up), when we allow a few to get past the superficial and let someone into the intimate and personal areas, we earn the right to speak to the real stuff of their lives in open and honest conversation. We can begin to fulfill all of those one another passages in Scripture in the way God intended us to do.
like Jesus, that doesn’t mean we give up on them nor that our efforts have all been for nought. Teenagers, would you give up on your parents the first time they made a mistake or dropped the ball? Parents? Husband? Wife? Of course not! Well, these people that we go deeper with in our lives often become closer than family don’t they! And getting hurt is a normal part of being in deep relationship with other broken people.
Honestly, that’s what relationships are like! We are broken people who disappoint. et this be a reminder to us that, when we ask those who we are close with for help, sometimes, often unintentionally they disappoint us; often when you need them most. However, we cannot allow this to be an excuse to pull back from these relationships. Nor does it mean that all the time we got to know them was for nothings. On the contrary, its when during these though situations that we grow when we press into them even more.
earn the right to speak to the real stuff of their lives in open and honest conversation. We can begin to fulfill all of those one another passages in Scripture in the way God intended us to do.
This is how God made us. We are all people who want to be heard, who want to be cared for, who want to be loved.
because it is like who He is. What better place to experience this closeness than in deep, Christ-centered relationships.
Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
This is how God made us b/c, as born in the image of God, this is who He is, God is relational on an intimate level. What better way to experience the fullness of our new life in Christ than to experience it hand in hand with other believers.
If what I am talking about is burning a desire within your heart for deeper Christian community, seek the Lord and He will make a way.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Well, these people that we go deeper with in our lives often become closer than family don’t they! And getting hurt is a normal part of being in deep relationship with other broken people.
like Jesus, that doesn’t mean we give up on them nor that our efforts have all been for nought. Teenagers, would you give up on your parents the first time they made a mistake or dropped the ball? Parents? Husband? Wife? Of course not! Well, these people that we go deeper with in our lives often become closer than family don’t they! And getting hurt is a normal part of being in deep relationship with other broken people.
I want to close by all of us participating in an activity that I believe will bring this concept to life for you. Think about this question for ten seconds and I will watch the clock:
Think about this question for ten seconds, I will watch the clock: Who has made the biggest impact in your life?
Who has made the biggest impact in your Christian life?
10 Second Wait
Did you think of that person? Who was it? Most likely it was someone who invested a lot of time
Who was that person? A friend? A family member? A pastor? Whoever they were, they made a big enough impact for you to remember them right now. That’s the power of investing in deep, Christ-centered relationships. That’s what you could receive and that’s who you could be for someone else.
That’s the power of investing in deep, Christ-centered relationships.
If no one came to mind, you can be that person for someone else.
This same type of growth is available to each of us when we enter into similar deep, Christ-centered relationships. When we consistently, continuously expose others to our lives (spend time with others and open up), when we allow a few to get past the superficial and let someone into the intimate and personal areas, we earn the right to speak to the real stuff of their lives in open and honest conversation. We can begin to fulfill all of those one another passages in Scripture in the way God intended us to do, in the context of deep, Christ-centered relationships.
As we will see, this is how God made us because it is like who He is. If what I am talking about is burning a desire within your heart for deeper Christian community, see the Lord and He will make a way.
Gordon Lewis
Pastor Dan Moore
It’s when you let someone past the superficial and let someone into the intimate and personal areas of your level.
Its one thing to hear about peoples struggles and
Ed Whiteman
The only way for Jesus’ life and mission to be internalized by His disciples was if they knew in-depth His person and mission. This required that his disciples have consistent, continuous exposure to his life so he could speak to the real stuff of their lives in their context of honest and open conversation.
David Fountain
Salvation is God’s gift to us because Jesus died for us on the cross. Discipleship is our gift to Him as we take up our cross, die to self, and follow the Lord in everything.
Linda Connell
These people, in part, are why I am here. That’s the power of a deep, Christ-centered relationship.
If your relationships are not Christ-centered, image if they were.
That required spending time with them. It required