Agony and Gethsemane: Jesus’ Prayerful Submission to the Father

All of his disciples would forsake him and flee. And as we know, it it didn't mean that they would cease being his followers, but that they would not stand with him and face the persecution of that night. Jesus said that it was written in God's word that this would happen, and he's quoting there what we know is Zechariah chapter 13 and verse seven. Jesus is telling them that this is about to happen, that this was the night that was prophesied about. It was written in the word of God. And that would, no doubt, later on, encourage them. But at this moment, it seems like they kinda took it as a challenge. [00:32:08] (42 seconds)  #ProphecyFulfilled

Again, God will love the expression of devotion by Peter and the rest. And, also, again, we know how it unfolded. From their falling away that night to, though, their eventual martyr death, but all all of one of them did die a martyr's death because of Jesus. Nevertheless, in this scene, though, this is kind of an illustration of how pride comes before the fall. Though Peter's intentions were good, he was boasting in his own strength, and it would fail. [00:34:41] (33 seconds)  #PrideBeforeFall

Knowing all this, Jesus says it basically, if there's any other way, father, than this, like, I don't wanna go through this. So in Gethsemane, we we sit we see, especially, at least the human will of Jesus wrestling with the divine will. Humanly speaking, right, he didn't wanna suffer the cross, which was evil in itself and a deadly painful. And I say humanly speaking because we see true humanity as clearly as we do anywhere else in the gospels. [00:43:24] (31 seconds)  #GethsemaneWrestle

So Jesus expressed some disappointment that they couldn't even stay awake and support him for an hour. And so he asked them to watch and notice Heriads and pray that they may not enter into temptation due to their weakness of their flesh. Now some see this as a reference to temptation just to give into the weaknesses of the flesh, one's flesh need for sleep, and fail to support Jesus in his time of need. [00:47:34] (26 seconds)  #WatchAndPray

Perhaps the most notable takeaway, historically speaking, though, is the why question. Right? Why did Jesus have to go through this? Well, he went through this willingly submitting himself to the will of his father so that he could be the savior of the world. Jesus told his disciples what was going to happen. He told them we know, at least recorded in Matthew, there was at least four times he told them ahead of time. He told them about his pending arrest and crucifixion. He told them that they would all abandon him just as was foretold in god's word, it is written. [00:50:29] (37 seconds)  #WillingSacrifice

``And so that leads to perhaps the greatest implication and application of all for every soul. Have you responded to what Jesus did to provide salvation for you? Have you agreed with him that you need to be saved, that you are a sinner, that you are alienated from life in God, and have you trusted in what he did to save you? Many of you here have. Praise God. [00:53:36] (29 seconds)  #SavedByGrace

So the holy spirit inspired writer of Hebrews is pointing out and encouraging those who do believe in Jesus towards not growing weary or faint hearted in living out their faith. By the lord's gracious empowerment, right, we are to strive for holiness, embrace God's loving discipline when needed, as he goes on to write about, even endure suffering at times. And the reason is is the founder and perfecter of our faith did so. He not only saves us from our sin and empowers us for victory, but he also is providing an example. [00:56:04] (43 seconds)  #FaithfulEndurance

So recognize your dependence on the lord and not your own strength. You know, many a time when someone comes to me for counsel, after listening to them, one of the first things I often ask them is this, have you prayed to the lord about this? This is what all the men and women of faith have done when they didn't know what to do. And I've been surprised that sometimes people have said no. I'm like, okay. Before even coming and talking to me, why don't you talk to God about this? He's real. He's there. He's listen. Where's your faith, man? Let's go. [01:04:43] (34 seconds)  #PrayBeforeAdvice