Facing Struggles: Jesus's Example of Strength and Surrender
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the culmination of our series "The Struggle is Real," focusing on the ultimate struggle faced by Jesus Christ Himself. We delved into the narrative of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He confronted the most profound mental and spiritual anguish imaginable. This passage in Matthew 26 reveals the humanity of Jesus, His vulnerability, and His approach to overcoming the mental battles that we all face.
Jesus, fully aware of the impending crucifixion, chose to face His challenges head-on. He retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane, a place of pressing and crushing, symbolic of the immense pressure He was under. In His darkest hour, Jesus did not shy away from His struggles but instead met them with intentionality and courage.
One of the first steps Jesus took was to be selective about His companions, bringing only Peter, James, and John into His inner circle. This teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people during our times of struggle. Jesus also demonstrated the power of vulnerability by openly expressing His distress to His disciples, showing us that talking about our struggles is a crucial step towards healing.
Jesus's prayer in the garden is a profound lesson in surrender. He asked God three times to remove the cup of suffering, yet each time, He submitted to God's will, not His own. This act of surrender was not a sign of weakness but of immense strength and trust in the Father. Jesus's relationship with God was the source of His strength, not religious rituals or doctrines. It was this personal, intimate connection that empowered Him to face the ultimate sacrifice.
Furthermore, Jesus practiced solitude without succumbing to isolation. He withdrew to pray but remained within reach of His disciples, teaching us the importance of finding space for reflection while still being supported by our community. He also recognized the spiritual nature of His battle, using prayer as His weapon, and persistently petitioning the Father, showing us that steadfast faith can include repeated requests to God.
Finally, Jesus's struggle in the garden was not just a personal victory but a cosmic one. In the first garden, Adam succumbed to temptation, choosing his will over God's. In contrast, Jesus, the second Adam, overcame temptation in the second garden by submitting to God's will, thus reversing the curse of sin and offering salvation to all.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus's intentional selection of companions in His time of struggle teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who will support and encourage us, rather than lead us astray. Our closest relationships can significantly impact our ability to navigate life's challenges. [44:43]
- Openly discussing our struggles, as Jesus did, is vital for mental and spiritual health. Keeping silent only compounds our pain, while sharing with trusted friends can lead to healing and support. Vulnerability is not a weakness; it is a courageous step towards overcoming our battles. [47:13]
- True strength is found in surrender to God's will, as demonstrated by Jesus's prayer in Gethsemane. When we face insurmountable challenges, our willingness to say, "Not my will, but Yours be done," aligns us with God's purposes and releases His power in our lives. [01:01:48]
- Solitude is essential for personal reflection and communion with God, but it should not lead to isolation. Jesus's example of withdrawing to pray while remaining within the support of His disciples illustrates the balance between personal reflection and community support. [57:03]
- Persistent prayer is a sign of unwavering faith, not a lack of it. Jesus's repeated prayers in the garden show us that it is both faithful and human to continually bring our requests before God, trusting in His timing and plan. [01:00:23]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 26:36-46
- Proverbs 12:26
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions did Jesus take in the Garden of Gethsemane to face His struggles? ([39:11])
2. Who did Jesus choose to accompany Him during His time of anguish, and why is this significant? ([44:43])
3. How did Jesus express His distress to His disciples, and what does this reveal about His approach to vulnerability? ([47:13])
4. What was the content of Jesus's prayer in the garden, and how many times did He repeat it? ([39:56])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to be selective about the people we surround ourselves with during times of struggle, as Jesus did with Peter, James, and John? ([44:43])
2. How does Jesus's repeated prayer in the garden demonstrate the relationship between persistent prayer and faith? ([01:00:23])
3. What does Jesus's willingness to submit to God's will, despite His anguish, teach us about true strength and trust in God? ([49:18])
4. How does Jesus's practice of solitude without isolation provide a model for balancing personal reflection and community support? ([57:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant struggle. Who were the people you chose to confide in, and how did their support impact your experience? How can you be more intentional about selecting your inner circle in the future? ([44:43])
2. Jesus openly discussed His struggles with His disciples. Is there a current struggle you are facing that you have not shared with anyone? What steps can you take to open up to a trusted friend or mentor this week? ([47:13])
3. Jesus's prayer in Gethsemane shows immense strength in surrendering to God's will. Are there areas in your life where you are struggling to say, "Not my will, but Yours be done"? How can you practice surrender in those areas? ([49:18])
4. Jesus balanced solitude with staying connected to His disciples. How do you currently practice solitude, and how can you ensure it does not lead to isolation? What changes can you make to maintain community support while finding time for personal reflection? ([57:03])
5. Persistent prayer was a key part of Jesus's approach to His struggles. Do you have a prayer request that you have given up on? How can you renew your commitment to bring this request before God with steadfast faith? ([01:00:23])
6. Jesus's struggle in the garden was a cosmic victory that reversed the curse of sin. How does this perspective change the way you view your own struggles? How can you remind yourself of the bigger picture when facing personal challenges? ([01:06:28])
7. Jesus focused outwardly even in His moments of deep anguish. Is there someone in your life who could use your support right now? What specific action can you take this week to reach out and offer encouragement or help? ([01:05:19])
Devotional
Day 1: Choosing Companions Wisely in Struggle
In times of struggle, the company one keeps can significantly influence the outcome. Jesus, in His moment of profound anguish, chose to bring only Peter, James, and John into His inner circle. This decision underscores the importance of selecting companions who can offer genuine support and encouragement. It is not the number of friends but the quality of companionship that matters when facing life's challenges. One should seek friends who provide strength and guidance, rather than those who may lead astray or amplify the struggle.
Proverbs 13:20 says, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." This wisdom from Scripture highlights the impact of our associations on our personal growth and resilience. By walking with the wise, one can navigate through trials with discernment and hope.
Reflection: Who are the Peter, James, and John in your life? Consider the people you turn to in times of struggle and evaluate if they are leading you towards wisdom and strength. [44:43]
Day 2: The Courage to Share Our Struggles
Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Jesus exemplified this when He shared His distress with His closest disciples. By expressing His fears and anxieties, He demonstrated that acknowledging and talking about our struggles is a crucial step towards healing. Keeping silent only compounds our pain, while sharing with trusted friends can lead to support and a path to overcoming our battles. It is through this courageous act of opening up that one can find solace and the strength to move forward.
Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." This directive encourages believers to support each other by sharing and shouldering each other's struggles, thereby living out the love and compassion that Christ has shown us.
Reflection: Is there a burden you've been carrying alone that you need to share with a trusted friend or mentor? How can you take a step towards vulnerability today? [47:13]
Day 3: Surrendering to God's Will
True strength is found in the surrender to God's will, as Jesus showed in His prayer at Gethsemane. When faced with insurmountable challenges, the willingness to submit to God's plan reveals a deep trust in His sovereignty and goodness. This surrender is not a passive resignation but an active alignment with God's purposes, which can unleash His power and peace in our lives. It is in the moments of surrender that one can experience the fullness of God's grace and provision.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul shares God's response to his plea for relief from his "thorn in the flesh": "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." This passage reminds us that in our weakness and surrender, God's power is most evident and effective.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself resisting God's will? How can you practice surrendering this area to God's care and guidance? [01:01:48]
Day 4: Balancing Solitude and Community
Solitude is essential for personal reflection and communion with God, but it should not lead to isolation. Jesus modeled the balance between solitude and community support by withdrawing to pray while remaining within reach of His disciples. This balance allows for deep personal growth while maintaining the benefits of a supportive community. It is important to find time for quiet reflection to hear God's voice, but equally important to stay connected with those who can offer support and fellowship.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up." This passage emphasizes the value of companionship and mutual support, especially in times of need.
Reflection: How can you create a healthy rhythm between solitude with God and fellowship with others? What might be a first step to achieving this balance? [57:03]
Day 5: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Persistent prayer is not a sign of a lack of faith but rather an indication of unwavering trust in God. Jesus's repeated requests in the garden demonstrate that it is both faithful and human to continually bring our concerns before God. This persistence in prayer is an act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and trusting in His timing and plan. It is through steadfast prayer that one can maintain a strong connection with God, even in the face of uncertainty or delay.
In Luke 18:1-3, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow, who kept coming to the judge, saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.' This parable teaches us to "always pray and not lose heart," encouraging believers to be persistent in their prayers, trusting that God hears and will respond in His perfect timing.
Reflection: What is a specific request you have been bringing to God, and how can you continue to approach Him with persistence and faith? [01:00:23]
Quotes
"Jesus went to this Garden knowing full well what it meant. I encourage you to do the same thing you know verse 37 and 38 he names the people that he took with him he said he took Peter and the two sons of zebede James and John this is where the first point I want you to see here that Jesus did when he was struggling with his anxiety and worries was he was very intentional about those that were closest to him." [44:43]
"Jesus shows us where he practices solitude but not isolation. Solitude is supported. Isolation means alone. Solitude is supported. There's a difference. Isolation is what happens to the wilderbeast in Africa when the Lion's hunting them. The devil wants isolation, Jesus wants Solitude. Isolation is trying to find those he can devour. Jesus wants to be alone but it's not isolation, it's Solitude, he's still supported." [57:03]
"Jesus prayed three different times times saying basically the same thing. This shows us that it is not unspiritual to make the same request to God several times. Repeated prayers can be completely consistent with a steadfast faith. I would dare that it's more faith to come back and ask for the same thing after it wasn't answered." [01:00:23]
"Jesus got up to the line right and he's calling the play and he knows what the play is that they're about to run and blue 42 blue and Jesus is hoping for an audible right Omaha Omaha right he want anybody anybody okay thank you a few of you Payton Manning is ready to call he wants God to call that Audible and he's like God if there's any other play that we can run please but God didn't change it." [01:01:48]
"Jesus was perfect and without sin so therefore all of these emotions all these struggles these anxieties are are not sins this mental anguish they're not sins I dare say even the thoughts of taking his own life possibly he's like is this it it reminds me if I had time I'd tell you that I was driving on the reminds me of the Haw the highway between sadelia." [01:04:34]
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