Road to the Cross (pt.3)--Be prepared

Good morning again everyone. I am really excited about being here this morning, and I feel both blessed and humbled to welcome those of you that are joining us online this morning, or tonight, or whenever you may be watching our services. Listen, I know that in the age of technology we all have so many options of sermons to listen to and you have chosen to join us here at LRBC and I am grateful for that. I also long for the day when we all get to come back and we all feel safe and secure to attend church in person again. I truly believe that the physical time together is so beneficial in our p ersonal walk with the Lord, and while the technology is fantastic, there is no way it can replace the physical presence of believers worshiping together. So, if you are watching today and are not a part of a local church somewhere, then please find a local church to be a part of. If you are watching and you are part of a local church, then do whatever you need to do in order to be able to worship in person as soon as you can. Here at LRBC we are doing everything we can to help you feel safe and secure as you worship in person here.

Ok, all of that being said, lets take a look at our series that we are looking at right now. We are in our third installment of the book of Mark. You know its funny, when I started Mark, I had it mapped out and I truly believed that I could preach through the book of Mark in 9 weeks. Whew…talk about arrogant of me. there is no way to teach through the book of Mark, and actually give you a glimpse of what is going on in this amazing book in just nine weeks. It just isn’t possible. That is why we have broken it up and had three different installments and this time we are going to finish up on Easter this year. I am so excited for Easter this year. Last year we were unable to meet in person on Easter, this year we will be open and worshiping together as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen?!

Ok, so we are in Mark chapter 14, last week we looked at the contrast of pride and humility as Jesus initiated the Lords Supper, memorializing his death and what that means to all believers. He did this while also telling the disciples that they will turn their backs on him. They all insisted that they would never do that, however, we know that they did. This morning we are going to continue through this chapter and we are going to look at what happened at the garden while Jesus was praying. Now, we are going to look at an amazing time of prayer with Jesus where he prayed all night, so intently and the disciples just couldn’t keep up. Then we are going to look at what happened when Judas did betray him and how the others responded to that event.

You know as we continue to go through the book of Mark it is important for us to remember who Mark was writing this book for. He was writing this to Gentile Christians. He was writing to people that did not grow up as Jewish believers, but people that converted to Christianity. Basically, Mark is writing this book for you and me. So as we read this book we can appreciate that he is writing with you in mind, and he is writing to give you the opportunity to either believe what he says, or to reject what he says. He seems to leave the question open to allow us to make up our own mind about the facts. It is really interested and really encouraging to read it with that lens, knowing the truth, because he plainly states that Jesus is the Son of God, and having to reconcile that with the events that are taking place, and how they impact our lives today. Mark is writing this book as a way to build other disciples of Christ and teach us as believers how we should respond. So, with that in mind, let’s go ahead and take a look at

Mark 14:32–42 ESV

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

So this first section we are looking at is...

Jesus Praying in the Garden

This is a pretty famous story, but there are a few things that alot of people just don’t know. This morning I would like to share a few things about this story with you and hopefully these truths can be applied to your life and you will grow a little bit in your relationship with Christ. This passage, as with most passages has an immense amount of symbolism, and I am going to share just enough to hopefully get you excited enough to want to study for yourself. I also want you to see that Mark is sharing this story and he is emphasizing the the obedience of Jesus to the Father’s will. In doing this, he is setting an example of discipleship to us, the readers.

First, where is this happening?

Gethsemane

There is something really interesting about this place that I would like to share with you. This place is an Olive Press. Do you know how olive oil was made at that time? Olives were pressed, but not in the way we have seen grapes pressed for wine. No, the olive press was a much more abrasive procedure. First the olives would be placed in hot boiling water to soften them. Then the olives would be placed in a large stone pit and a mill stone would be pulled by a donkey to press the olives. In other words, they were pressed and squeezed until there was nothing left of them. This is actually an important picture that I want you to reflect on. The place that Jesus went to pray was the very place of pressing. Jesus was then pressed while in this place as he cried out to God.

This place is located in the valley below the Mount of Olives, opposite of the Temple.

Second, what are the disciples doing?

Sleeping

Now, as Mark brings this story out he shows us that Jesus pulls out a few disciples specifically. Jesus goes to the garden with all of the disciples, but then pulls aside Peter, James, and John. These men seem to be the inner circle with Jesus. They are typically there when something spectacular happens. The fact that Mark makes a point to tell us briefly that these men have been called to come with him clues us in that something spectacular is about to happen, so we need to pay attention! We can imagine that maybe these men are called ahead because Peter has claimed that he will never deny Jesus, and James and John because of their claims that they will suffer with Jesus. We see from this story that they cannot even last 1 hour at a time without falling asleep. Oh, and do you remember in the Olivet Discourse in ch. 13 that the final thing Jesus said at that teaching was,

And what I say to you I say to all: “Stay awake.” —Mark 13:37

Now we see that these men have fallen asleep. They were not prepared for what they were about to experience.

As we begin to look at this passage and begin to see some of the symbolism in this passage a question we have to ask ourselves is, “Am I Prepared”?

You see, Jesus has been with these men personally for 3 years. They have lived life. They have seen miracles. They have preformed miracles. They claimed to be prepared, but clearly they were not. Many of us here this morning, or online have been believers for a very long time. We have been a part of Bible Studies, we have been a part of conferences, we have been a part of women’s groups, and even church leadership.However, are we prepared for what God is calling us to as a church, and for what God is calling you to as a disciple?

Now, lets turn our attention briefly to Jesus’ response, because after-all this passage shows us a tremendous picture of who Jesus is in the midst of suffering as a servant. We have the opportunity to see how Jesus truly deals with the oncoming suffering and even temptation to walk away from this.

Jesus

Ok, so we have Jesus taking three opportunities to pray and then go back and commune with the disciples. Now, you should realize that Mark has talked about Jesus praying before. Mark pointed out Jesus’ prayer in the beginning of his ministry. He highlighted prayer in the middle of his ministry, right before he walked on water in order to reveal himself to the disciples. So, we see that every time Mark highlights Jesus praying it is a critical time. We see that Mark talks about prayer in passing as a way for the disciples to resist temptation. However, for Jesus, these times of prayer are important moments of decision and action. I love what theologian James Brooks says here,

“The prayer is simply an expression of the real humanity of Jesus, which is as necessary a part of his nature as his deity.” —James Brooks

There is one more aspect of Jesus’ prayer that I believe deserves noting. That is his use of the word Abba. Now, this word is an Aramaic word and it is believed to be added here for the benefit of the Greek speaking readers. You see, this word is the word that would describe “father, or daddy”. This is not a word that would have been used by the general Christian readership as they would have found it to be offensive to the Holiness of God. However, Jesus uses this term, and Mark records this term as a way of showing his intimacy with the father. This is the term that would be used within the inner circles of family, not a term that would be used in public discourse. What better way to highlight Jesus’ intimate relationship with God. A relationship that they themselves can enjoy as well, if only they stay awake and pray…if only they are prepared.

This time of prayer for Jesus is an intense time. Jesus is coming face to face with the reality that he will soon suffer and die. The physical death is not a death that concerns him, it is the receiving of the wrath of God against the sin of all people that will receive him for all time. That is what is distressing to Jesus here. Jesus has to ask himself if in fact he is prepared to take this cup himself, or if there is any other way.

This plea of Jesus, “Abba, father, all things are possible for you, remove this cup from me”, shows us that he is genuinely tempted to forsake the role of the suffering servant. Nevertheless, his will to obey the Father is stronger than his desire to serve himself. You see, throughout his ministry he has rejected every exit ramp from the path of suffering servanthood. His will conforms to his knowledge of God’s will, to undergo the “baptism” (10:38), to accept the “cup” (v. 36), to meet the “hour” (v. 35). In other words, just as he taught the disciples to pray, “your kingdom come, your will be done”, Jesus responds to this intense moment saying, “Not what I will, but what you will.”

You have to understand that according to Mark, the decision to submit to the Fathers will causes Jesus greater internal suffering than the physical crucifixion on Golgatha. The cross, is a matter of the heart before it is a matter of the hand, a matter of will, before the reality. That same truth is evident in our lives today. Many times the decision to take the step of faith is far more traumatizing that the action of taking the step of faith. When you finally decide to walk in a way that is honoring to God, whether at work, or at home, the rest just seems to flow easily. At least, I know that is true for me, and I suspect that is true of all of us here this morning.

Well we have spent a significant amount of time on this passage, and we could continue to spend another few weeks on just this small section, but I want to continue ahead here this morning. Let’s take a look at

Mark 14:43–50 ESV

And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him. But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” And they all left him and fled.

Betrayal and Arrest

Judas’s betrayal and the arrest of Jesus. Remember where we have just come from. We have just seen the disciples asleep multiple times. The final time Jesus walks to them and says,

“Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”—Jesus

Now, grammatically the make up of this quote tells us that this is not a calm thing that Jesus is saying to the disciples who are sleeping. Now, this might be better translated as, Enough! Get up, you have slept enough! Let’s go. This is the emphases that Jesus would have with these men at this time. He is frustrated because the one thing that he asked them to do. The one thing that he has been teaching them for three years they have been unable to do. Jesus has been preparing them and training them, and they are just sleeping. He told them to stay awake and watch, and then slept. This is important because Jesus is telling us the same thing, and look how many of us area asleep. We cannot stay awake. Look, Im not going to call you out this morning, and I am not talking about physically sleeping, but how many of us were prepared for the trials and hardships of 2020? How much did the events of the past 12 months hurt churches, and frankly, drive people away from church family relationships? How many relationships were soured over silly things like masks, and vaccines. I want to be clear here, I am not advocating for any particular view publically, but I am saying, how many relationships were hindered over the past 12 months. Let me also be clear that any relationship that is effected, takes 2 people to effect it. Remember James 4....What causes the struggles and quarrels among you? In other words…why do you do what you do? Were we, as believers, as a global church, prepared for the struggles that occured over the last 12 months? I’ve said it before…churches are closing. This is a relatively normal thing that happens every year. However, this year Covid has speed up the closure of many churches. There are churches here in our community that will be closing their doors soon, some within the next month or two, some potentially within the year. Are you, are we prepared, or are we asleep?

Let’s keep going as we look at the actual arrest of Jesus. Jesus has just laid down his will in order to suffer for you and me, and now the actions begin as he surrenders to the soldiers that are there to arrest him.

First of all we see a crowd coming for Jesus in order to make this arrest. If you remember previously we discussed that the Sanhedrin wanted this to be done in a way that would not cause chaos for them. However, they sent a large crowd with Judas in order to capture Jesus. We are reminded here that prior to this moment every crowd that Jesus encountered was peaceful and never hostile towards Jesus. After this moment however, the crowd was always hostile towards Jesus. We see a definite change in agenda as Jesus has stepped into his role as the Suffering Servant.

Next we see the Betrayal of Judas and the wickedness of his action. You see, a kiss was an act of endearment between two people. However, Judas used this act of endearment to reject his Rabbi, Jesus. The choice of Judas’ words Rabbi, meaning “my great one”, a term for a teacher, shows the empty man that has rejected the true teaching of Jesus for the promise of silver. This shows the wickedness of pride and selfishness.

At this moment chaos ensues and a bystander, who we know as Peter by looking as other Gospel accounts, reaches for his sword in an effort to protect Jesus severing the right ear of the high priests servant. However, this is not the action that Jesus was calling for. This is the action of a prideful Peter that is looking to do things his own way. I’m not sure any of us can relate to that perspective, right?

Anyway, Jesus asks them an honest question. “Have you come out as against a thief?” Now, the terminology being used here is not a thief as in a burglar. No, this is likely referring to more of a revolutionary. Actually, the NIV translates this really well. Look at this,

Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? —Jesus

You see, Jesus claims that he was with them in the courts and teaching in public many times, yet they have to come in the night with swords and clubs in order to arrest him. Brooks tells us,

Mark 12. The Arrest (14:43–52)

Mark emphasized that Jesus did most of his teaching in public. Therefore, there was nothing secretive or seditious about it. This fact had great significance for the Christian community in Rome at the time Mark wrote. Mark did not indicate what (Old Testament) Scriptures Jesus had in mind. Isaiah 53:12 (Mark 14:46–49) and Zech 13:7 (Mark 14:50) are the most likely individual passages, but it is also possible that the reference is to the teaching of the Scripture in general.

Lastly, what happens? Exactly what Jesus told the disciples would happen. They all left… You see, they were not prepared for the emotional suffering and the potential physical suffering and definite spiritual suffering that watching their teacher and Lord be arrested would cause. They were not prepared to lay down arms and joyfully walk into prison with Jesus. They were not prepared to suffer for Christ...yet… This is the fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction earlier. The words of Jesus here emphasizes that Jesus was left completely alone by those who might have been expected to stand by him. “Then everyone deserted him and fled.” This seemingly innocuous statement carries an incriminating punch. You see, they All drank the cup (14:23), all pledged to die with him (14:31), … and all desert!

Do you see what happens when you are not prepared? You are unable to withstand the struggles against you and you will fall to temptation. So, this morning, I ask you again…Are you Prepared? Are you awake and praying, or are you falling asleep and therefore not able to withstand the assault of temptation to desert?

Now, there is a very strange event that takes place here after the arrest and abandonment of Jesus. Let’s read this last section of

Mark 14:51–52 ESV

And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

Young Man Flees

So in this section we see that there is a young man. We don’t know who this young man is, what we do know is that he had a linen cloth and nothing else on. He was grabbed, and he ran away, leaving behind his cloth and running away naked.

We have to ask the question about this being a metaphor? I mean, the nakedness of this man contrasted with the coming nakedness of Jesus. Maybe this young man is an allusion to the young man that will be at the empty tomb later. Maybe this is a picture of the shame that comes from abandoning Jesus.

All of these are possibilities, yet we are left with a question in our own minds from this story of the first recorded streaker. This young man’s lack of identity invites the you and me, as the readers, to examine our own readiness to abandon Jesus when things get dicey.

Finally I will leave you with these thoughts...

In the garden of Gethsemane, faced with the horror of his imminent, unfathomable, and prophesied suffering, the Son of God definitively surrenders his will to that of the Father’s. In contrast to the sleeping disciples, Jesus proves himself to be the perfect disciple, resolving to walk the path of discipleship that all must follow after, the path that necessarily includes great suffering. Once Jesus finishes praying, the series of events foretold in Scripture culminating in his death, burial, and resurrection rapidly begin to unfold, which leave Jesus betrayed, treated as a criminal, and made to walk the path of discipleship utterly alone.

Are you prepared to walk this path with Jesus today?

—Prayer—