SERMON OUTLINE:
(1). The Place - Obedience (vs 39-45)
(2). The Kiss - Treachery (vs 47-48)
(3). The Sword - Rebellion (vs 49-51)
(4). The Cup - Submission (vs 52-54a)
SERMON BODY:
Ill:
• In the Peanuts comic strips, Snoopy often tries to be an author.
• In one particular comic strip,
• Snoopy is pictured in his kennel (doghouse) typing a novel.
• He begins his story with, "It was a dark and stormy night."
• Because that is the way he always begins his stories.
• Lucy who is a bossy and opinionated girl,
• Who bullies most other characters in the comic strips,
• Sees what Snoopy is doing and bluntly shouts out,
"You stupid dog! That is the dumbest thing I've ever read. Who ever heard of such a silly way to begin a story? Don't you know that all good stories begin, 'Once upon a time'?"
• Then, the last frame shows Snoopy starting all over again.
• This time he types, "Once upon a time, it was a dark and stormy night."
• TRANSITION: Snoopy is close to the truth about life.
• For many people not just in the UK but around the world,
• We are experiencing a dark and stormy night!
• And there will be no shortcut through this dark and stormy night,
• To experience the light that comes in the morning,
• We will all have to go through the gloomy and turbulent night!
• For us at this moment in time, it is the Corona virus,
• But when that passes, and it will.
• Quote:
• “It might pass like a kidney stone! But it will pass.”
• But when that passes, and it will.
• Life will start to get back to what we refer to as normal!
Note:
• The Bible has been described as a picture book,
• As well as a book of history and biography.
• And rather than do a verse by verse study this morning,
• I would rather look at four pictures, four symbols, four images,
• That dominate this story,
• And these images will help us get a better understanding of this passage.
(1). The Place - Obedience (vs 39-45):
“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.
On reaching the place….”
(Don’t miss those two words, “the place”)
On the western slope of the Mount of Olives is the Garden of Gethsemane:
• Jesus often went to this garden with His disciples,
• To rest, meditate, and pray,
• Note: the words, “As usual to the Mount of Olives.”
Quote: Publius Syrus was a Latin writer, (42 B.C.)
He once said, “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.”
Ill:
• In some old castles are found deep wells,
• These wells were deliberately dug so that in times of siege,
• Those inside the castle had water to survive.
• Any source of water entering the castle from the outside,
• Could easily be obstructed and blocked by the enemy,
• Forcing those on the inside to surrender.
• But the attacking enemy has no power over the well inside.
• It is a constant source of life to those who draw from it!
• TRANSITION: For the many people that we encounter,
• Their peace depends on their surroundings,
• And in time of trouble its source is cut off.
• But for the Christian, the peace of Christ is a spring on the inside.
• We see that demonstrated by Jesus in these verses.
Remember that Jesus came to this planet with a mission, the greatest mission ever:
• He came to be the saviour/rescuer of the world.
• e.g. Message of Christmas (Matthew chapter 1 verse 21).
• “Give him the name Jesus for he will rescue his people from their sins”
• It is and was the greatest of all missions,
• No other human being whatever their task, ever faced a greater mission than this one!
• Because Christ’s mission not only changes our lives here and now.
• But it will save and rescue us for the whole of eternity!
• Now with the weight of responsibility on his shoulders:
• Notice that in the life of Jesus, there is never any panic, never any worry,
• He is never quashed by the burden and responsibility of his task.
• He simple moves from one situation to the next,
• Never phased, never panicking, never alarmed, never frenzied and never rushing!
At this particular time Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims attending the Passover festival:
• At Passover numbers in the city swelled from 600,000 to 2 million people.
• That’s four times as many people as usual!
• So, when Jesus needs some isolation from the crowd,
• He had a place of escape!
• A garden on the western slope of the Mount of Olives.
• In this quiet place he could get some rest, to recharge his (physical & Spirit) batteries.
• To gain strength and encouragement from his heavenly Father.
APPLICATION: We all need a place!
• One of the hardest lessons for us as Christians to learn is to spend time alone with God.
• To find a place!
• It is never glamorous, but it is essential.
• If Jesus needed time alone with the Father,
• Then you and I certainly need it as well.
Ill:
• The mobile phone has reminded us of one key lesson,
• The need to regularly recharge!
• We charge our phones every day, we need to do that to ourselves as well!
• Interesting, that even in times of crises (Corona virus) and lock down,
• The government have given permission for exercise each day.
• Our bodies and energy function just like the phones,
• We need to recharge ourselves often,
• This prevents burnout in those people who over work,
• But it is also essential for general good health and especially good mental health!
• And for you and me as Christians, we ned to recharge spiritually!
• That is why at the start of the year we encouraged the use of daily reading notes,
• And the importance of a place i.e. a regular quiet time!
Back to the narrative (vs 39-40).
• The name Gethsemane means "oil press" a place of crushing!'
• Even today there are ancient olive trees in Gethsemane,
• Although certainly not the ones that were there in Jesus' day.
• The olives from these trees would have been picked and put into the press for their oil.
• What a picture of suffering!
• So too, Jesus himself would also go through the "oil press" a place of crushing!'
• And taste our judgment for us.
Remember that Jesus fully knew what lay before Him:
• Yet He still went to the garden of Gethsemane.
• He was not concerned about his own personal safety of comfort.
• But rather in doing the Father's will.
• We know from Matthew’s (26:36-46_ and Mark’s (14:32-42) account.
• He left eight of the men near the entrance,
• That he took Peter, James, and John and went to another part of the garden to pray.
• No doubt at this critical hour he longed for some encouragement and companionship.
• But, alas, they went to sleep!
• To complete this mission, he would have to do it alone!
• All by himself!
Symbolism:
• Jesus has many names in the Bible (at least 117):
• One of those names is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 45:
• Where he is called the Last Adam.
• Notice he is not called the second Adam,
• If he was you could bet somebody would come along claiming to be the third Adam.
• Jesus is called the Last Adam,
• Because he is absolutely unique and there will never be another one.
• Question: Why Adam?
• Answer: Because both the first Adam & the last Adam were born sinless:
• One by creation and the other by an act of the Holy Spirit (ill: Xmas).
Ill:
Think back to Genesis chapter 3 and note the contrasts between the two gardens:
• In Eden all was delightful.
• In this garden all is terrible.
• In Eden Adam & Eve talked with Satan.
• In this garden Jesus talked with the Father.
• In Eden Adam sinned
• In this garden Jesus suffered.
• In Eden Adam fell.
• In this garden Jesus conquered.
• In Eden events were by day.
• In this garden events are by night.
• In Eden Adam fell before Satan.
• In this garden soldiers would fall before Christ.
• In Eden the race was lost.
• In this garden Jesus can brag “Concerning them I have lost none!”
• In Eden Adam took fruit from Eve’s hand.
• In this garden Jesus took the cup from his Father’s hand.
• In Eden Adam hid himself.
• In this garden Jesus would boldly show himself.
• In Eden God sought Adam.
• In this garden Jesus (the last Adam) sought God.
• In Eden Adam was driven.
• In this garden Jesus was led.
• In Eden the sword was drawn.
• In this garden the sword was sheathed.
• The first Adam was disobedient in a garden,
• As a result, the first Adam brought sin and death to mankind.
• But Jesus (The Last Adam),
• By His obedience, will bring righteousness and life to all who will trust Him.
Quote:
• Eden was the garden of disobedience and sin,
• Gethsemane was the garden of obedience and submission,
• And heaven shall be the eternal garden of delight and satisfaction.
(2). The Kiss - Treachery (vs 47-48)
“While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him,
48 but Jesus asked him, Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
• We have all been let down by a friend or a loved one,
• But most of us have never been betrayed by a loved one!
• I imagine the biggest betrayal we might experience is if a husband or a wife,
• Decides to have an affair and cheat on their partner.
• Sadly, that happens and the other person in the marriage will feel betrayed.
• Yet, Jesus was betrayed for money, silver and gold coins!
• What causes a person to sell-out a friend for money?
• I guess and hope we will never know!
Ill:
• In 1535 another traitor, an Englishman called Henry Phillips.
• Persuaded (one of my heroes) William Tyndale to venture out onto the streets of Antwerp.
Quote: The Foxes Book of Martyrs:
• So, when it was dinner time, Master Tyndale went forth with Philips,
• And at the going forth of Pointz's house, was a long narrow entry,
• So that two could not go in front.
• Master Tyndale would have put Philips before him,
• But Philips would in no wise, but put Master Tyndale before,
• For that he pretended to show great humanity.
• So Master Tyndale, being a man of no great stature,
• Went before, and Philips, a tall, comely person, followed behind him.
• Who had set officers on either side of the door upon two seats,
• Who might see who came in the entry.
• Philips pointed with his finger over Master Tyndale's head down to him,
• That the officers might see that it was he whom they should take.
• The officers afterwards told Pointz, when they had laid him in prison,
• That they pitied to see his simplicity.
• They brought him to the emperor's attorney, where he dined.
• Then came the procurator-general to the house of Pointz,
• And sent away all that was there of Master Tyndale's,
• As well his books as other things.
• And from thence Tyndale was had to the castle of Vilvorde,
• Eighteen English miles from Antwerp.
• After being confined in prison for a year and a half:
• Tyndale was strangled and then burned at the stake in Brussels on October 6th, 1536.
• Tyndale in case you are unaware was in every sense the ‘Father of the English Bible’.
• In my opinion the greatest translator of them all!
• What causes a person to sell-out a friend for money?
• I guess and hope we will never know!
Quote:
• The psychology of Judas has been described as.
• “A riddle wrapped up in a puzzle and locked in an enigma.”
• TRANSITION: Like all good traitors:
• There appeared to be nothing in his character or behaviour.
• That hinted at his true spiritual condition, and Jesus never gave him away to the others.
• If anything, Jesus did all he could to rescue Judas.
• Certainly, many of his teachings must have pierced the heart of Judas!
• The repeated warnings against love of money should have stopped Judas,
• But he did not heed them.
• Nor did Jesus’ denunciation of hypocrisy.
• Make any impact on this false apostle.
• Note: Judas is a warning to us:
• That you can be close to Jesus and yet not saved!
Notice:
• I think this passage teaches us.
• That Judas knew very little about Jesus:
• Judas had lived with the Lord Jesus for perhaps three years,
• And had listened to him teach; yet he knew very little about him.
• I say that because verse 47 tells us he brought “A crowd”:
• John’s gospel says, He brought “a detachment of soldiers” who were armed.
• Judas still after 3 years has no-idea that Jesus is “The Lamb of God”
• Who would meekly submit, he would be ‘Led like a lamb to the slaughter’?
• And that there would be no need to battle?
Note:
• Matthew’s gospel & John’s give us extra detail as to what happened in this garden.
• One thing that is very clear is hat Jesus is in full control of this situation.
• The disciples may have been shocked by these events but not Jesus!
• In Matthew’s & John’s gospel, they inform us,
• That it is Jesus who is giving the orders, not the Romans or Jewish leaders.
Judas had arranged to identify Jesus to his enemies by way of a kiss:
• The kiss of Judas,
• Which was given repeatedly to the Lord,
• Was certainly one of the basest acts of treachery.
• Recorded anywhere in sacred or secular history.
Ill:
• In that day, a kiss was a sign of affection and devotion.
• Members of the family kissed each other in meeting and in parting,
• Yet despite the kiss,
• It is very clear that Judas was not a member of God's family.
Ill:
• Disciples greeted a rabbi by kissing him; it was a sign of devotion and obedience.
• But once again Judas was not truly a disciple of Jesus Christ,
• Though he belonged to the group of disciples.
• There is no obedience here and no desire to follows the masters will!
Verse 54:
• By surrendering to the officers and allowing them to seize him.
• Jesus helped to protect His disciples.
• He kept them safe not only spiritually
• But also, physically (fulfilling his promise to them in John’s gospel 6:39, 10:28, 17:12).
• Not one of them were arrested or tortured.
• He went through this dark situation all alone!
(3). The Sword - Rebellion (vs 49-51)
“When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, Lord, should we strike with our swords?
50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51 But Jesus answered, No more of this! And he touched the man's ear and healed him.”
You have to read John’s gospel (chapter 18 verse 10),
To find out the identity of who swung the sword:
“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)”
ill:
• A lady once came to Billy Sunday (late 18’00’s).
• He was a famous baseball player, and then even more famously as an evangelist.
• She came to him and tried to rationalize her angry outbursts.
• “There’s nothing wrong with losing my temper,”
• She said. “I blow up, and then it’s all over.”
• “So does a shotgun,” Sunday replied, “and look at the damage it leaves behind!”
• TRANSITION: Well like a shot gun Peter is about to blow up:
• He quickly drew out a small sword (a scabbard) and started to fight!
• A scabbard was a long knife with a blade five or six inches long.
• Ideal for gutting fish.
• But on this occasion Peter wanted to gut something far bigger than a fish!
Peter's sword symbolizes rebellion against the will of God.
• First of all, he should not have been carrying it on a feast day.
• It was against the law!
• Second Peter should have known that Jesus would be arrested
• And that He would willingly surrender to His enemies,
• He had been warned by Jesus on a number of occasions,
• (Matt. 16:21, 17:22-23; 20:17-19).
• So, while we admire the courage and sincerity of Peter,
• What we see is a demonstration of zeal without knowledge,
• And that’s always dangerous!
Notice:
• Peter makes every mistake possible in this incident!
• He fought the wrong enemy,
• He used the wrong weapon,
• He had the wrong motive,
• And he accomplished the wrong result!
• He was openly resisting the will of God,
• And hindering the work that Jesus came to accomplish!
• We know from Jesus himself:
• That he did not need Peter's protection:
• Matthew in his gospel (26 verses 52-54) tells us:
• He could have summoned legions of angels had he wanted to be delivered.
Note:
• Dr Luke tells us that Jesus healed Malchus' ear (chapter 22 verse 51),
• Making this the last public miracle Jesus did before the cross.
• It was a double blessing both to Malchus (restored)
• And for Peter had He not healed Malchus,
• Peter might have been arrested and crucified!
Personal question: What is your sword?
• Rebellion against the will of God is something that each one of us has to deal with!
• We need to learn that we cannot live for God our way!
• We all try it and some of us are slow to learn!
Ill:
• Story told of an old Scottish woman,
• Who many years ago, went from home to home across the countryside,
• She would knock on doors selling thread, buttons, & shoelaces.
• Whenever she came to an unmarked crossroad,
• And was unsure which way to go,
• She would toss a stick into the air & go in the direction the stick pointed when it landed.
• One day, however, she was seen tossing the stick up several times.
• Someone asked her, “Why do you toss the stick more than once?”
• “Because,” replied the woman,
• “It keeps pointing to the left, and I want to take the road on the right.”
• She then carried on throwing the stick into the air,
• Until it pointed the way she wanted to go!
• TRANSITION:
• Rebellion against the will of God is something that each one of us has to deal with!
• We need to learn that we cannot live for God our way!
• By way of a simple application:
• Maybe we should pause this morning and ask the question.
• What is my sword?
• What is it I need to get sorted with God?
(4). The Cup-Submission (vs 52-54a)
“Jesus withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,
42 Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me: yet not my will, but yours be done.
43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.
44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.
46 Why are you sleeping? he asked them. Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
• In these verses Peter had a sword in his hand,
• In these verses Jesus had a cup in His hand.
• The cup may be symbolic but, in many ways, it was just as real as Peter’s sword!
• In these verses we see Peter was resisting God's will,
• In these verses we see Jesus was accepting, embracing God's will.
• e.g. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done”
• (vs 42).
• The cup represented the suffering that Jesus would endure
• And the separation from the Father that He would experience on the cross.
• Matthew in his gospel tells us that,
• Jesus prayed this prayer three times (chapter 26 verses 39, 42, & 44).
• Which testifies to the enormity of the task he was facing.
• Not just the physical sufferings of crucifixion
• (ill: remember the shock when the film ‘The Passion’ portrayed a crucifixion?)
• But Jesus also experienced spiritual sufferings
• (ill: 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 24).
• “When he himself bore our sins in his own body on the cross”
Symbolism:
• The metaphor of a cup is often used in the Bible,
• It is an often-used image to portray God’s blessings or it may contain God’s wrath
• ill: There is the cup of God’s wrath,
• When Babylon captured Jerusalem, (Isaiah chapter 51 verse 17).
• We are told that the city had "drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling"
• ill: Jeremiah pictured God's wrath against the nations as the pouring out of a cup
• (Jeremiah chapter 25 verses 15-28).
• ill: There is the cup of salvation.
• Psalm 116 verse 13.
• “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.”
• Psalm 23 verse 5.
• “My cup overflows” KJB: “Runneth over”
To "drink the cup" means to go through a particular experience good or bad:
• We use a similar expression: "not my cup of tea",
• Meaning: saying no to a certain course of action.
• To "drink the cup"
• Means accepting, a particular type of experience.
Jesus was able to accept the cup because it was given to him from the Father's hand.
• Since it was God the Father who had mixed and measured the contents of the cup,
• Jesus knew he had nothing to fear.
APPLICATION:
• This is a good lesson to us:
• We need never fear the cups that the Father hands to us.
• We need never fear what is in the cup,
• Because the Father has prepared it for us in love.
• We may suffer short-term pain and heartbreak,
• But He will eventually transform that heartbreak, that suffering into glory.
Ill:
• One of my favourite speakers is a man called Steve Saint,
• (older folk will know of his father Nate Saint one of the 5 missionaries killed in Ecuador)
• Instead of me speaking the story,
• Let’s watch Steve share it.
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/Baxry1jnG0w
• Surviving Tough Times
• TRANSITION: Wow! Moving and powerful stuff!
• For some brothers and sisters, the cup is painful.
• For you and me, dare we pray “Thy will be done?”
• Remember Steve’s secret?
• He and his wife had learnt to trust God one little step at a time”
• And that prepared him for the bigger challenges of life.
• Back to where we started, we need a place!
• We need God’s strength to face the challenges of life!
• Then and only then,
• “We can do all things… we can handle all situations and circumstances…
• (But ONLY) through Christ who strengthens us”
SERMON AUDIO:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=ZpeGBzDVUKvSfGOmgWgUKngv7bbnYP4B
SERMON VISUAL:
https://youtu.be/8N4rSbqjexc
