QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

GETHSEMANE

Agony - Disappointment - Arrest - Desertion

Matthew 26:36-56

The events in the Garden of Gethsemane are memorable for their dramatic revelation of Jesus' anguish and stunning for their exposure of the disciples' indifference. At a time when the Lord pointedly asked the disciples to participate in His burden, they gave in to the flesh and went to sleep. Even after a second opportunity to demonstrate concern, they went back to sleep. Finally, after a third attempt to gain their participation, Jesus gave up.

Question: "In what ways does the action of the disciples reveal the power of the flesh over the spirit of man.

Question: "Should the disciples' indifference be excused because they were simply weary and tired?"

Question: "Has the behavior of humanity changed much since then?"

WHAT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS?

Think of the times you have needed your friends to stand with you - to defend you - to help you in some way. Did they respond? If not, how did you feel when you realized they were not interested in the inconvenience caused by your emergency.

What if they were counting on you? Did you respond? Were you will to sacrifice your comfort to aid them?

Jesus, simply asked that His friends pray for Him. Yet, they were not even able to do this one thing. Sleep was better than prayer to them.

At His most needful time, his friends deserted Him.

Question: "Is a friend someone you can trust or merely an acquaintance?"

Question: "What your definition of a true friend?"

THE KISS OF BETRAYAL

As Jesus finished praying, the betrayer came into His presence. Judas, one of His own, approached Him with a feigned kiss of brotherhood. It was a pre-arranged sign for those who were coming to arrest Jesus.

Question: "What causes people to turn away from the Lord?"

Question: "Why does a backslider usually become a betrayer?"

The crowd came into the garden with weapons as though Jesus were a criminal. He chided them for treating Him in such a way, yet He did not resist them so that the words of the Prophets could be fulfilled.

Luke 22:53 seems to indicate that God allowed the forces of evil to have authority at this time to carry out their wicked plan.

THE TERROR AND ARREST

The disciples were suddenly jerked awake to vivid consciousness. The mob of torch-bearing, club-wielding Christ haters were intent upon murder and mayhem. This was truly a frightening situation. In fact, in a desperate act of defense, one of the disciples drew his sword and struck the ear of the servant of the High Priest. While healing the man's head, Jesus admonished the disciples to lay aside the sword and allow the will of God to be done. "Do you think that I cannot now pray to my Father, and He will provide me with more than twelve legions of angels?" (A legion was 6,000 soldiers.)

Question: "Are you able to allow the will of the Lord to be done in your life even though it may mean temporary pain and personal sacrifice?"

MATTHEW 26:56

"… then all the disciples forsook Him and fled."