Culver Community Church

Pastor Chris Sweeney

Sermon Notes

April 14, 2019

Matthew 26:31 – 46 – Agony, Prayer and Last Predictions

{vs. 31-32}  It is not only the night of Jesus’ betrayal, but also of these eleven disciples’ greatest testing.  Jesus said this not to condemn His disciples, but to show them that He really was in control of the situation, to bring to mind the scriptures regarding the suffering of the Messiah that must be fulfilled and to warn them, so that they might prepare to face what would follow.  We often think about the Garden of Gethsemane as a place of struggle and suffering but it was also a place to go to God in prayer and to receive strength!  Jesus spent this night as He had done so many times, preparing in prayer.  The disciples however, would squander this opportunity and as Jesus predicted, they will fail the test when the crucial time comes.  The Prophet Zechariah also predicted this in chapter 13:6-7.  In these amazing verses, we see that it is the LORD, God who calls for the Shepherd to be struck down.  We like to play the blame game (and there is plenty to go around) but it was not the Romans, Pilate, the leaders of the Jews, Judas or even my sins that forced Jesus to go to the cross.  We all played our part, but it was God who ordained this cure for sin, it was Jesus who willingly went to the cross and all that we did or do to contribute has been worked into the will of God (by God).  Although we focus on Christ with the sins of the world upon Him as abandoned and forsaken by God - - - we must also remember that He was in God’s will, serving as God’s most holy Sacrifice.  Before we leave Zechariah, look at what God says of His Shepherd (Messiah) – “the Man who is close to Me!” – the Hebrew for this speaks of a near neighbor, someone who dwells beside (side by side) – this describes an equal who dwells in harmony!  Who can live with God almighty in such a way?  Only God is equal to God – the Messiah must be God in human flesh!  He must also be perfect, sinless and pure in order to dwell in God’s presence for God is Holy and cannot look upon sin without punishing it!

[Back to Matthew]  In the midst of delivering terrible news He gives the promise of hope!  “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”  Jesus was, even before it happened, He was already was looking beyond the cross – “… For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2b).  He has told them about the betrayal, His trials, being handed over to the Gentiles, crucified, His burial and He keeps reminding them this is not the end!  I will rise after three days, I will go ahead of you (indicating I will lead you – as He has done for more than three years!) into Galilee (that wonderful place they were so familiar with).

{vs. 33-35} Peter the quick of tongue is offended by this prediction and responds, with another “NO, LORD!” moment.  Just listen to the pride and self-confidence dripping from his words!  To paraphrase what he says, “I don’t know about these others (did he look around or gesture?) but I will never fail You!”  Did you notice the emphasis on the I and not the You (Lord)?  He was not alone in this (just the first to blurt out) - just like Peter, the other eleven pledged their loyalty.  How dare we, like Peter ever say “NO, LORD!” - Jesus knew that Peter would fail in what he thought was his strong area – courage, devotion and boldness.  Through this solemn warning, Jesus gave Peter another opportunity to be on guard, to pray and to consider how weak even his strength was.  Jesus knew Peter far better than even Peter himself did, and in his pride, Peter was ready for a fall.  “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18).  Peter was clueless to the approaching spiritual battle that Jesus clearly saw and warned them about.  He felt invincible, at the moment and gave no thought about the future.  Soon, Peter would be afraid when confronted by a humble servant girl, and three times he would deny that he even knew Jesus.  The Apostle Paul warns us “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12).  When we think we are beyond the reach of some sins, when we say things like “I would never do that!” – that is when we are most perfectly situated for a grand fall!  It is only by God’s power, His Holy Spirit that we can stand in the face of trials and temptation!

{vs. 36-39} Gethsemane (which means “olive press”) - that name is so appropriate – it is in this garden that Jesus will be hard pressed (crushed like the olives), preparing to give His life and when He has risen and goes to the Father, the Holy Spirit (often represented by anointing or oil) will be sent to stay with us!  As they enter the Garden, Jesus instructs the disciples to stay there (at the entrance).  While this appears to be a guard set at the gate, Jesus needed no warning!  He had already warned them!  In fact, Jesus has lived with the reality of this night all of His life on Earth – even before, from the foundations of the world!  However, they needed a place to watch and pray for themselves.  Jesus, I believe left them here so that they could not be used as distractions by the devil as he came to the garden to once again tempt Jesus.  The inner circle are taken a little ways further, close enough to be witnesses (when they are awake) so that they can pass on the events of this night.  Finally, Jesus goes off on His own.  As we look on Jesus in the garden, we see a portrait of sorrow and suffering – face toward the ground, Jesus is overwhelmed by sorrow.  Jesus gives us His own diagnosis or evaluation - “to the point of death” (did you know that sorrow and anxiety could kill? – They can!)  We know this because Jesus tells us (but the doctors and researchers do also).  It is at this point, as He is heavy in prayer that Dr. Luke tells us “And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:44)  This condition, Hematidrosis is when capillary blood vessels that feed the sweat glands rupture, causing blood to mix with sweat.  It is exceptionally rare and only occurs under conditions of extreme physical or emotional stress.  If not for the intervention of God, an angel sent to strengthen Jesus (Luke 22:43), I believe that He would not have made it to the cross!  You see, for all of history the devil has been trying to stop the events of this one week – the sealing of his fate, the power of sin and death broken forever and the purchase of freedom for those he has taken prisoner (this is the beginning of the end for him!)  He tried to stop it by destroying Abraham and his lineage, through the corruption of the Davidic kings, when Herod killed the infants and so many other times – just one break in the link, that’s all he needed.  This is his last chance, Satan is putting on the full-court press – every power to tempt, to cause fear or doubt – every weapon in his arsenal is aimed at Christ in order to defeat God’s plan. 

We see the temptation reflected in Jesus’ own prayer “if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  Satan wanted Jesus to alter the plan, to avoid the cup, which in scripture represents God’s judgement and wrath – to do what His own humanity wanted instead of following God as He had done all of His life.  Anything is possible with God, but this is the determined plan – the only way for God to remain just (punishing sin), while saving lost sinners (giving forgiveness and grace)!  Jesus knows this full well, but the temptation to avoid the trials, the beatings and yes, death is great!  However, much more than that is the desire of the righteous Son of God to avoid having the sins of the world placed upon Him!  He had never sinned, yet in this life, it constantly surrounded Him.  Understand, sin is utterly repulsive to God!  However, tomorrow Jesus would be so completely associated with sin, that 2 Corinthians 5:21 says “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”  It is on that cross that the Father will turn away from the sin, breaking the eternal communion (union) of the Three in One!  Jesus will cry out “Why have you forsaken Me?” – quoting from the Psalms.  At no point, ever – not before creation, not when Jesus was a few cells clumped together in Mary’s womb, not after the world will perish in fire – NEVER, EVER has God the Father been out of fellowship with God the Son!  We can only try to imagine the fear, loneliness and pain that this split causes to an Eternally Triune God!  Jesus can see all this with perfect clarity, He knows every sin, every whip, every part of what tomorrow holds – and this combined with Satan’s pressure is the suffering that brings Him to the point of death!  At any point, He could have said “No, I’m not going to do it!” – “I’ve changed my mind!” - - - but His devotion to the Father’s will and His love for you and me kept Him here in the garden and there on the cross!

{vs. 40-41} Peter, you just promised to go to death with Me – why are you sleeping?!?  If only Peter had listened, if only he knew what was to come – maybe he too would be stressed and sleepless.  However, the long day, the big meal and the weight of the sorrow from Jesus’ words (although not even partially understood) has all combined together - - - and they keep falling asleep.  Even without all this, we go to God in prayer and find it hard to watch and pray – to fight off sleep or boredom.  If only we could take this lesson of Jesus to heart – “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation”!  This (combined with God’s Spirit and Word) is the way to overcome temptation – not some inner strength.

{vs. 42} The Second prayer, I believe reflects a resolved Jesus – not “if” as most translations render it, but “since” the cup cannot be avoided – may Your will be done!  The prayer is for Me (Jesus), for those surrounding Me (Jesus), for all of the circumstances, for everything – let Me (Jesus), let them all be in line with Your plan!  So be it or Amen!  We think of Amen as the way to end our prayers – but this is what Jesus was praying!  He prayed the same thing in three waves, while the disciples slept - “Your will, Your will, Your will.” – “So be it Father!”  Far too much of our prayers are filled, completely cluttered with my will – Jesus is our example, make your request known (state your preference) and then pray that God’s will is done in You and the world around you!

{vs. 43-44} The same prayer – for hours Jesus has wrestled in prayer.  From compassion and understanding Jesus lets the men remain asleep the third time – their chance to prepare has passed – they will need physical strength and rest also.

{vs. 45-46} I believe Jesus can see the lights of torches with His physical eyes as clearly now as He did spiritually all night!  The moment has come and Jesus, resolved – ready to face His destiny, He gathers His men to go to meet it head on.

Before Jesus came to the cross, He came to the garden, and we get a better understanding of His suffering on the cross by understanding His suffering in the garden.  We get a great insight into how greatly He loved the Father, how devoted He was to the Father's will, how greatly He and the Father loved sinners, like you and me.  And we also learn from Him how to face the greatest temptations and triumph as He did – in prayer, proper prayers with our spirits yielded to God and His will! A-men!