Sermons on Matthew 26:39

Matthew 26:39 Interpretation:

Prayer: Submission, Trust, and the Theology of the Cross (Woodbury Lutheran Church) interprets Matthew 26:39 by contrasting the Theology of Glory with the Theology of the Cross. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane is a model of submission and trust, highlighting the phrase "not my will, but yours be done" as a relinquishment of personal desires in favor of divine will. This interpretation underscores the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will, rather than expecting God to conform to human expectations. The sermon uses the original Greek text to emphasize the depth of Jesus' anguish and submission, noting that the Greek word for "will" (??????, thelema) signifies a deliberate choice to align with God's purpose.

Deepening Our Relationship: Staying in Love with God (United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd) interprets Matthew 26:39 by emphasizing the struggle and ultimate submission of Jesus to God's will. The sermon highlights that Jesus, despite not wanting to endure suffering, chose to obey God's will, illustrating the depth of His relationship with the Father. This interpretation is used to draw a parallel to human experiences of obedience, even when it is difficult or undesirable, likening it to a child's reluctant obedience to a parent's request.

Embracing Christ's Silent Submission in Suffering (Open the Bible) interprets Matthew 26:39 by emphasizing Jesus' complete alignment with the will of the Father. The sermon highlights that Jesus' submission in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed "not my will, but yours be done," is a model of silent submission and obedience. The sermon draws a parallel between Jesus' silent submission and the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7, where Jesus is described as a lamb led to slaughter, emphasizing His willingness to endure suffering without objection.

Matthew 26:39 Theological Themes:

Prayer: Submission, Trust, and the Theology of the Cross (Woodbury Lutheran Church) presents the theme of relinquishing control in prayer, emphasizing that true power in prayer comes from submitting to God's will rather than demanding specific outcomes. This theme is distinct in its focus on the transformative power of prayer to change the believer's heart and align it with God's purposes, rather than simply seeking answers or solutions.

Deepening Our Relationship: Staying in Love with God (United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd) presents the theme that staying in love with God involves accepting His will, even when it conflicts with personal desires. The sermon emphasizes that faith is not about getting what we want but about maintaining a relationship with God that helps us endure life's challenges. This theme is distinct in its focus on the relational aspect of faith rather than transactional expectations.

Embracing Christ's Silent Submission in Suffering (Open the Bible) presents the theme of divine alignment and submission. The sermon explores the idea that Jesus' submission to the Father's will is a model for believers, especially in times of suffering and injustice. It emphasizes that Jesus' willingness to endure suffering without complaint is a demonstration of His trust in the Father's justice and plan.

Matthew 26:39 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Prayer: Submission, Trust, and the Theology of the Cross (Woodbury Lutheran Church) provides historical context by explaining the cultural practice of prayer during Jesus' time, noting that some people believed in repetitive prayers to gain divine favor. The sermon contrasts this with Jesus' teaching on prayer, which emphasizes sincerity and trust in God's knowledge of human needs.

Embracing Christ's Silent Submission in Suffering (Open the Bible) provides historical context by referencing the cultural and legal norms of Jesus' time, such as the unjust legal process and the abuse of power during His trial. The sermon explains that Jesus' silence during His trial and crucifixion was counter-cultural, as it was expected for the accused to defend themselves. This historical insight highlights the radical nature of Jesus' submission.

Matthew 26:39 Cross-References in the Bible:

Prayer: Submission, Trust, and the Theology of the Cross (Woodbury Lutheran Church) references several biblical passages to support its interpretation of Matthew 26:39. It cites Mark 11:24 and Matthew 7:7 to discuss common misconceptions about prayer as a means of obtaining whatever one desires. The sermon also references Romans 8:26-27, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in interceding for believers and aligning their prayers with God's will.

Deepening Our Relationship: Staying in Love with God (United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd) references the Lord's Prayer, particularly the phrase "thy will be done," to reinforce the message of submission to God's will as seen in Matthew 26:39. This cross-reference is used to illustrate that Jesus' prayer in the garden aligns with the model prayer He taught, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's will above personal desires.

Embracing Christ's Silent Submission in Suffering (Open the Bible) references Isaiah 53:7 to draw a parallel between the prophecy of the suffering servant and Jesus' actions in the Garden of Gethsemane. The sermon uses this cross-reference to emphasize Jesus' silent submission and willingness to endure suffering as part of God's redemptive plan.

Matthew 26:39 Christian References outside the Bible:

Prayer: Submission, Trust, and the Theology of the Cross (Woodbury Lutheran Church) references C.S. Lewis, quoting him to illustrate the idea that prayer is not about changing God but changing the person who prays. Lewis' perspective is used to reinforce the sermon's emphasis on the transformative nature of prayer and the importance of aligning with God's will.

Deepening Our Relationship: Staying in Love with God (United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd) references John Wesley's teachings, particularly his general rules, to frame the discussion on staying in love with God. Wesley's emphasis on attending to the ordinances of God is used to highlight the importance of maintaining a relationship with God through practices like prayer and worship, which align with the submission and obedience exemplified by Jesus in Matthew 26:39.

Embracing Christ's Silent Submission in Suffering (Open the Bible) references A.W. Pink, who provides insight into the story of Abraham and Isaac as a parallel to the relationship between God the Father and Jesus. Pink's interpretation highlights the willingness of both the Father and the Son to sacrifice for the sake of redemption, emphasizing the unity and shared purpose in the divine plan.

Matthew 26:39 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Prayer: Submission, Trust, and the Theology of the Cross (Woodbury Lutheran Church) uses the character Veruca Salt from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" as an analogy for a demanding approach to prayer. The sermon describes Veruca's insistence on getting what she wants immediately, likening it to a Theology of Glory mindset that treats prayer as a means of demanding outcomes from God. This illustration serves to contrast with the humility and submission exemplified by Jesus in Gethsemane.

Deepening Our Relationship: Staying in Love with God (United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd) uses the analogy of a child reluctantly obeying a parent's request, such as washing dishes, to illustrate the concept of obedience to God's will. This secular analogy is employed to make the idea of submission relatable, showing that obedience is not always accompanied by joy but is necessary for maintaining important relationships.

Embracing the Cross: A Journey of Transformation (Crazy Love) uses a personal analogy of a father-daughter relationship to illustrate the emotional weight of Jesus' plea in the Garden of Gethsemane. The speaker imagines his own daughter asking if there is another way, paralleling Jesus' request to the Father. This analogy serves to humanize and deepen the emotional impact of Jesus' submission to the Father's will.