The Big Idea of Matthew 26:36-46
How did Jesus succeed when facing the crushing agony of suffering and temptation? It’s a huge mistake to say “well, because He’s God.” He is, but Gethsemane is proof that Jesus is also fully human. He knows what pain, suffering and temptation are like. Jesus shows us that through prayer, it is possible for God to move you from weakness to resilience, no matter what you’re facing.
Good to Know
Gethsemane (vs. 36) was probably a beautiful garden at the center of a huge olive grove. Jesus loved to hang out and pray there.
Sorrowful and troubled (vs. 37) Jesus invited only His three closest disciples to see how He was really doing.
If it be possible let this cup pass from me (vs. 39) is proof that Jesus is fully human and truly "tempted as we are."
Nevertheless, not as I will but as you will (vs. 39b) shows that it is only through prayer that we can align our frail, short-sighted desires to God's better desires.
The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (vs. 41). "Spirit" (pneuma) could be referring either to our spirit or the Holy Spirit. "Weak" (asthenes) could also be translated "sick."
Jesus finds Peter sleeping three times. His three naps (when he should have been praying) correlate to his three denials of Jesus, whom he had just promised to stand by in 26:33.
Message Snippets
“It’s vital that we go to the garden together to experience Jesus, the one who succeeded where we fail. When we do that, we grow together."
Conversation Starters
- Where do you clearly see Jesus' divinity in this passage? Where do you clearly see His humanity?
- Reflect on the fact that Jesus wanted His closest friends to watch with Him. Why does Jesus value our "withness"?
- Jesus gives us a clear powerful case study for overcoming temptation in this story. How do you want to apply that this week?
Prayer Prompts
Pray that God teaches you to keep watch and pray this week. Brainstorm how to do that practically.
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