Mark (29)

Introduction: We should often be amazed when we consider all the minute details that had to come together to get us where we are. It is certainly no coincidence or accident that the unique individuals are gathered together right here for this exact moment. Emily and I reminisce over the finer points of God’s working in bringing us together and ending up where we are today. Everything from the parents we were born to, to the colleges we ended up at, to the singleness as young adults that we moaned over, to the callings and carers He lead us to, to the way He had us serving on the same mission team when we first met, to preserving and preparing us for engagement, and then ushering us to Logan county after we were married. God doesn't miss any of the fine points of His purposes.

Transition: Usually, we focus on the pleasant and positive parts of God’s details. However, usually its the details of suffering that create the most memories in our hearts and minds. Today, as we continue through the gospel of Mark we are going to discover that the sufferings of Jesus are the fine points of detail that identify Him as Christ alone. Through the rest of chapter 14 we will see three key points of His suffering that reveal his true identity as the Messianic Savior. 1. His abandonment. 2. His Agony. 3. His Arrest. (Let’s pray together and ask His help as we begin.)

Abandonment

(Read 14:27-31 & 66-72)

Explanation

How does this reveal Jesus alone as the suffering Savior?

According to what was written in the Scriptures, everyone abandoned Jesus. (50)

Application

Since Jesus was abandon, you are welcomed. Since Jesus was forsaken, you can be forgiven. Since Jesus suffered alone, you can be secure in the Father’s presence. Because Jesus was abandoned by His followers, we have hope of being united together in Christ. Because Jesus was alone, we never need to be.

We all can identify with Peter at this point. God gives second chances.

Transition: This truth reminds me of a song we sang in the church I grew up in entitled “No Never Alone”

1 I’ve seen the lightning flashing, And heard the thunder roll, I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, Trying to conquer my soul; I’ve heard the voice of Jesus Telling me still to fight on: He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.

Refrain: No, never alone, No, never alone - He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone; No, never alone, No, never alone - He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.

2 The world’s fierce winds are blowing - Temptation’s sharp and keen; I have a peace in knowing My Savior stands between; He stands to shield me from danger When all my friends are gone: He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]

3 When in affliction’s valley I tread the road of care, My Savior helps me to carry My cross so heavy to bear; Though all around me is darkness And earthly joys are flown, My Savior whispers His promise: Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]

4 He died on Calv'ry's mountain, For me they pierced His side, For me He opened that fountain, The crimson, cleansing tide; For me He’s waiting in glory, Upon His heavenly throne: He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone. [Refrain

… Not only does Jesus’ abandonment reveal Him as the suffering Savior but also His…

Agony

(Read 14:32-42)

Explanation

Notice verse 34 when Jesus says, “My soul is very sorrowful even to death.” He fell on the ground and prayed. Luke’s gospel tells us that He prayed in such agony that His sweat became like great drops of blood.

Often, we notice the physical suffering of Jesus, but just as important is the spiritual/emotional agony that he endured. As God in the flesh Jesus is facing fierce agony. Why? Because what is happening here in the Garden of Gethsemane is spiritual warfare. The promise of God from Genesis 3:15 is being fulfilled.

Genesis 3:15 ESV

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

This agony , however, does not lead Jesus to question the Father. His pain doesn't lead Him to panic. No, rather His sorrow leads Him to submission.

Application

a. In this, Jesus shows us what it looks like to cast all your cares on the Lord because He cares for you. We will not grow and mature in Christ by raising a clinched fist against Him and questioning His will. Ask questions? Absolutely…However, as a Christian, when we ask our questions we should doing so with the attitude of Christ to humbly accept the Father's will and obey accordingly.

b. Jesus’ agony informs Christians, those who belong to Christ, what we ought to be doing while waiting for His return. Watch an pray. (13:33) Stay awake!

Story: Of suffering for Christ?

Transition: We have discovered from the text that Jesus’ Abandonment and agony reveal Him as the Suffering Savior… and lastly look at verse 43-65 at His arrest.

Arrest

(Read 14:43-65)

Explanation

The way that Jesus’ arrest reveals Him as the suffering Savior is first in his betrayal by Judas. (again, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled vs.49)

Also, in the fact that He was arrested as an totally innocent man. Why is this significant? Because Hebrews 4:15 tells us…

Hebrews 4:15 ESV

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

See a contrast between true witness and false witness. See verses 56 & 62 When Jesus is arrested the chief priests, elders, and scribes had put together false witnesses in order to charge Jesus. However, their stories did not line up and proved false. But when the high priest directly asks Jesus if He is the Christ, the Son of the blessed? Jesus offers a true testimony. He gives a right witness. (Judas was the only one who didn't fall asleep, Jesus alone, is the only one telling the truth.)

Application

Am I a true or false witness of Jesus?

Because of His suffering we can be set free.

Conclusion: Invitation to respond during final song.