APR 1 - Jesus' Honest Prayer
This month we’ll be looking at the Cross and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. We’re going to break why it’s so important and still so significant. Let’s start with Jesus’ prayer in the garden, the night before it all goes downhill.
36-38 Then Jesus went with them to a garden called Gethsemane and told his disciples, “Stay here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he plunged into an agonizing sorrow. Then he said, “This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me.”
39 Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, “My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?”
Matthew 26:36-39 MSG
An almighty God, says very human things to God when he prays.
Jesus is in his final moments, he has only a few hours left as a free man. Judas has sold him over to the law while Jesus was praying in the forest. His prayer is heartbreaking, it’s sad, and Jesus is literally afraid.
38 Then He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Wait here, and keep watch with Me.”
39 He went a little farther, and falling on His face, He prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
God, if it’s possible, I don’t want to do this.
Have you ever been so sad your soul hurt?
Have you ever been in such a bad place that you begged God to take it away?
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
God is making all of the terrible moments in our lives work for good if you love him and are called by his purpose.
What Jesus went through is horrible, and he was asking to bypass it. But you and I are evidence of how great the blessing over his sacrifice truly is.
How would it have changed everything if Jesus didn’t die for our sins?
What do you think he felt that night (in your own words?)
Is it difficult to understand God’s plans when we’re going through a tough season?