Wednesday April 16, 2014

Read Mark 14:32-42.

Jesus entered the familiar garden. He knew it well. He’d been there often and all the disciples were on familiar ground. But tonight something is different. Jesus just isn’t himself. Jesus is anxious. No! Overwhelmed. He’s overawed deep in his soul, even to the point of death. There’s an eeriness, a creepiness in the air.

As Jesus walks ahead of the disciples he falls to the ground, exhausted and filled with sorrow. He prays in anguish. Drops of blood like sweat fall from his brow. He cries out in affliction to His heavenly Dad, ‘Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I desire but what you desire.’

Exhausted and filled with sorrow, Jesus confronts the disciples because in the hour of His greatest need they are sleeping! But he doesn’t rouse on them or slam them. He encourages them, understanding that the body is weak even thought the spirit is willing. 

Again Jesus walks a slight distance away. Again he falls to the ground exhausted and overcome by emotion and sorrow. Again he cries in anguish to His heavenly Dad. Again he returns to the disciples, heartbroken because they have yet again fallen asleep.

But alas! There’s no time for that now. The betrayer is coming. Jesus knows the end is near. Jesus knows that he’s been stabbed in the back by a close friend. Jesus knows that a kiss will seal his death. Death is only moments away!

Prayer:

Having read today’s passages, jot down 2 points for each type of prayer.

Adoration:

Confess:

Thanks

Supplication:

ª Pray that God would help you understand the cost of Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf. Pray this for everyone in your congregation.

ª Pray that those who visit your church on Easter will be able to understand what it cost for Jesus to offer himself as the perfect sacrifice to God the Father so that His wrath could be poured out and so that we could all be offered total, unlimited forgiveness.

 Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. Why did Jesus have to die?

2. A friends says to you, ‘I don’t know how you can worship a God who kills His own Son.’ How do you respond?

3. List 3 people you can invite to your church’s Easter Friday and Easter Sonday services.