Embracing Surrender: Finding Purpose in Suffering
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound journey of surrender that Jesus exemplified during His final week on earth, as we approach Easter. We delved into the emotional and spiritual turmoil He experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane, a time when even the Son of God expressed a desire for an alternative path to the one laid out before Him. This scene is a powerful reminder that suffering and pain are not just tragedies but also tools in God's sovereign plan.
I shared about the spectrum of experiences within our community, from those grappling with deep loss and uncertainty to those basking in joy and fulfillment. We are all on a journey with Jesus, and it's important to recognize that this journey includes both suffering and celebration. As we prepare for Easter, we are reminded of the practice of Lent, a time of fasting and devotion, which helps us to refocus and recommit to our spiritual disciplines.
The heart of the message centered on the idea that God's will often includes suffering, a concept that can be difficult to accept. Jesus Himself, in His humanity, wrestled with the impending pain of the cross, asking the Father if there was another way. Yet, He ultimately submitted to God's will, demonstrating the depth of His love and the extent of His obedience.
We considered the possibility that our own suffering could be part of God's plan. The author of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is a high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin. This gives us confidence to approach God's throne of grace in our time of need.
The sermon also touched on the impeccability of Jesus, the theological debate about His ability to sin, and the early church's struggle to understand His full humanity. We saw that Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane was not immediately answered, teaching us about persistence in prayer and God's timing.
As we reflected on the idea of surrender, we were encouraged to consider what we are truly surrendering in our lives. The call to follow Jesus is not a call to a pain-free life but to a life of purpose, where our suffering has meaning and can be used by God to shape us and others.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane reveals that even in His divine nature, He experienced genuine human emotion and desired an alternative to suffering. This moment of vulnerability shows us that it is okay to express our fears and hesitations to God, but ultimately, we must trust in His greater plan. [31:36]
- The concept of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine is essential to our faith. His ability to empathize with our struggles is a source of comfort and strength. As we face our own Gethsemane moments, we can take solace in knowing that Jesus understands our pain and walks with us through it. [33:25]
- Persistent prayer is not a sign of weakness or annoyance to God. On the contrary, it is an expression of our dependence on Him and a reflection of our desire for His will to be done. Jesus' persistence in prayer, even when answers seemed delayed, is a model for us to follow in our own prayer lives. [37:07]
- Suffering is not an indication of God's absence or displeasure but can be a transformative tool in His hands. Our pain can serve a greater purpose, shaping us into the image of Christ and pointing others to the hope of the gospel. [41:47]
- True faith requires surrender, not as a loss, but as an investment in eternity. When we surrender our lives to God, we are not giving up something for nothing; we are trading temporary discomfort for eternal glory. This perspective helps us to endure hardships with hope and perseverance. [48:17]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV)
> Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
2. Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
> Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 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. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
> For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
### Observation Questions
1. What emotions did Jesus express in the Garden of Gethsemane according to Matthew 26:36-46?
2. How did Jesus' disciples respond when He asked them to stay awake and pray with Him? ([27:59])
3. According to Hebrews 4:14-16, how is Jesus described in relation to our weaknesses and temptations?
4. What does 2 Corinthians 5:21 say about the purpose of Jesus becoming sin for us?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked the Father if there was another way, yet still submitted to God's will? ([31:36])
2. How does the description of Jesus' suffering in Gethsemane help us understand His humanity and divinity? ([34:04])
3. What does it mean for us that Jesus is a high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, as stated in Hebrews 4:14-16?
4. How can the concept of Jesus becoming sin for us, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:21, impact our understanding of His sacrifice?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation and prayed for an alternative path. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Jesus' example in Gethsemane? ([31:03])
2. Jesus' disciples fell asleep when He asked them to stay awake and pray. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel you are "falling asleep"? How can you stay more spiritually alert? ([27:59])
3. Persistent prayer is highlighted in the sermon. How can you incorporate more persistence in your prayer life, especially when answers seem delayed? ([37:07])
4. The sermon mentioned that suffering can be a part of God's plan. How can you find meaning and purpose in your current struggles? ([24:40])
5. Jesus' willingness to submit to God's will, even in suffering, is a powerful example. What areas of your life do you need to surrender more fully to God's will? ([31:36])
6. How can the understanding that Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:14-16) provide comfort and strength in your daily life?
7. The sermon discussed the idea of suffering as both a tragedy and a tool. How can you use your experiences of suffering to help others and point them to the hope of the gospel? ([24:40])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Vulnerability in Prayer
In the quiet of Gethsemane, Jesus experienced a moment of profound vulnerability, expressing a deep human desire to avoid suffering. This instance serves as a poignant reminder that it is natural to seek relief from our trials and to bring our deepest fears before God. It is in these moments of raw honesty that we can find true communion with the Father, as we lay bare our souls and trust in His greater plan. Jesus' candid prayer teaches us that our hesitations and fears are not signs of weak faith, but rather opportunities to deepen our reliance on God's wisdom and sovereignty. [31:36]
"Then he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.' And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'" (Matthew 26:38-39 ESV)
Reflection: When have you felt hesitant to bring your true feelings to God in prayer, and how can you practice being more open and vulnerable in your communication with Him?
Day 2: The Dual Nature of Christ's Empathy
The mystery of Jesus' dual nature as fully human and fully divine is central to our faith, providing us with a Savior who can truly empathize with our struggles. His experience of temptation and suffering, without succumbing to sin, offers us comfort and strength. As we face our own trials, we can take heart in knowing that Jesus understands our pain intimately and accompanies us through every challenge. His empathy is not a distant pity but a close, personal understanding that empowers us to endure. [33:25]
"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." (Hebrews 4:15 ESV)
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus' empathy for your struggles change the way you approach Him in times of difficulty?
Day 3: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Jesus' persistence in prayer, even when the heavens seemed silent, sets an example for us to follow. It is not a sign of weakness or a nuisance to God but a testament to our faith and dependence on Him. Persistent prayer is an act of humility and a declaration that we are seeking God's will above our own. It is through steadfast prayer that we align our hearts with God's purposes and learn to wait on His perfect timing. [37:07]
"And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, 'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.'" (Luke 22:41-42 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to practice persistent prayer, and how can you commit to bringing this before God regularly?
Day 4: Suffering as a Transformative Tool
Suffering is not an aberration in the Christian life but can be a transformative tool in the hands of a sovereign God. Our pain and trials are not indicators of His absence but may be the very means by which He shapes us into Christ's likeness. Through suffering, we can develop perseverance, character, and hope, pointing others to the gospel's promise. Our afflictions, when surrendered to God, can serve a purpose far beyond our understanding. [41:47]
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." (Romans 5:3-4 ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a time when suffering led to personal growth or allowed you to minister to others in a way you wouldn't have been able to otherwise?
Day 5: The Investment of Surrender
True faith involves surrendering not as a forfeiture but as an investment in the eternal kingdom. When we surrender our lives to God, we exchange temporary discomfort for everlasting glory. This perspective enables us to face hardships with hope and perseverance, knowing that our present trials are preparing us for a weight of glory beyond all comparison. Our call to surrender is a call to a purposeful life, where every sacrifice has eternal significance. [48:17]
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
1) "A life that is unmarked by suffering does not exist. It's not about less pain, less suffering, less tragedy if we follow Him, but it's about more meaning, more peace that comes in the midst of the realities we face in a broken world. It's way more about that than avoiding the hurt we would love to avoid." [24:02]
2) "Just like Jesus, our pain is a tragedy and a tool in God's plan. We want it to just be one or the other, but it really is a reminder of our broken world when we experience pain. It's used by God to shape us for what's ahead." [24:40]
3) "Jesus had a moment like this; dinner is behind him, his arrest is before him. He began to be sorrowful and troubled. He said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.' And going a little further, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'" [27:15]
4) "Jesus' disciples are so exhausted that every time he goes back, they've fallen asleep again. But the last time it's different. Jesus wakes up his disciples and lets them know that they would have plenty of time to sleep later, but right now, he was about to get arrested." [43:35]
5) "The vision of tragedy being a tool to shape us for the plan that God has for us is almost completely foreign to us. We are being shaped every day to communicate the idea that we can avoid pain at all costs, all while ignoring the incredible costs of this very approach. It's not working, and without Jesus, there is no meaningful hope for you to find in the midst of your suffering." [44:43]
6) "Jesus can relate to whatever you are facing right now. Maybe no one knows but you, but God does. And I know that in whatever you face, surrendering that to God, grieving that to God, whatever you lost, whatever you thought you were going to have, surrendering that to God feels impossible. But what's more impossible is continuing to live with the illusion that you're really in control." [34:47]
7) "Jesus, the creator of the universe, recognized that he needed to submit his plans to God's. But we don't. So what is God trying to bring you to the end of in your life? Where are you the most desperate, and God is the only one left to turn to?" [35:24]
8) "God had a world-shaking plan for Jesus' final days, but it was going to involve the tragedy of suffering for Jesus, the agony of surrender, and it was all for the sake of you, for the sake of people that might choose to follow him." [36:30]
9) "By sending this angel, it's as though the Father was saying, 'No, this is the way.' This is really challenging to consider: God chose to allow this pain for His son to adopt you. Easter isn't an accident, Menlo Church; this was always the plan. Jesus helped write it in the Trinity." [41:47]
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