Growing By Surrendering Completely

Growing By Surrendering Completely

Matthew 26: 36-39

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and became anguished and distressed.

38 Then he said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, even to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me." 39 Going a little farther, he threw himself down with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me! Yet not what I will, but what you will."

Setting the Text

-- Jesus delivered his 5th sermon (Chapters 21-25)

Chapter 26

-- The Passion Narrative

-- Jesus predicts His death (v.2)

-- Jesus anointed at Bethany (vv. 6-13)

-- Judas agrees to betray Jesus (vv. 14-16)

-- The Last Supper (vv.17-30)

-- Jesus predicts Peter’s denial ((vv. 31-35)

Setting the Text

-- The Garden of Gethsamane

---- Literally, Olive Press: Gat - semane

---- A place where they extract the olive paste from the olive.

-- Located in the Mount of Olives

1. Go and pray.

-- Verse 36

-- Go over there

-- Leave the crowd

-- Intentionally isolate yourself

-- Pray

---- Seek God’s plan

---- Function of Prayer: To change us

2. Bring your support group.

-- Verse 37

-- After leaving the crowd

---- Bring your support group

---- Against American rugged individualism

-- Be honest

-- Share your emotions

-- Tell them what you need

3. Pour your heart out.

-- Verse 38

-- Tell God what’s in your heart

-- Tell God what’s your desire

----- But don’t ask Him to change His plan.

4. Surrender.

-- Verse 39

-- Not my will

-- But Your will