GETHSEMANE

Newsletter 288 March 25, 2012
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Mark 14:32-52
King James Version (KJV)

A few years ago, Mel Gibson, released the film titled “The Passion.” I purchased a DVD copy of it expecting to view it each year just before Easter. For a Christian it is filled with heart breaking scenes, and my wife refused to view it through even once, let alone every year. But, one of the commentaries I read in preparing these few words, pointed out very clearly. It was not the Physical death on the cross that caused Jesus in Gethsemane to pray as he did. Crucifixion was the most a lingering, painful death, and was used only for the most violent crimes. It was always a very public death as a visual lesson to show the power of the Romans.
This was why Jesus had come to earth in the first place. Now his public ministry was completed. The weeks that came after his resurrection concentrated on the apostles and his disciples, those who had stayed with him through everything.

Now, after establishing the memorial of his death to come, he and the closest of the Apostles retired to Gethsemane to pray. Though he asked them to pray with him, there is no evidence that they did. Gethsemane, situated on the south-western slopes of the Mount of Olives, is still there. I am told that some of the oldest trees may be the same trees. Whether that is true or not, is not really so important, but this was a favorite place where he and the apostles apparently often went for prayer and private instruction. It is just across from the Temple site.

32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
Leaving them to wait and keep watch for him, he went alone a little farther and prayed to his Father God.
33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
Why does the scripture say he was “exceeding sorrowful”? He knew, in intimate detail, how he would be arrested, mocked, beaten, and finally crucified. This is what the “Passion” emphasized, and shows so vividly. This is one of those times when he went to His Father for strength and assurance.
35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

In his agony, he still remembered to pray, “Not what I will, but what thou wilt.” So often, our prayers are centered on what we want, and not what God wants of us. He has something for each of us to do. We take communion to a dear apartment-bound friend of ours each Sunday, and try to stay for a visit as she has very few visitors. This past Sunday, she asked, “But what can I do?” They she answered her question, “other than pray.” We all have those who need the Spirit’s guidance and blessing. We may have friends or family members who are ill, or who have drifted from the faith, or even not yet given their hearts to the Lord. We may be the only ones who are concerned enough to pray for them. God knows what we are capable of doing, we can pray.

37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

Peter, James, and John were all sleeping, but it was Peter who had just declared he would never forsake him, and it was Peter that Jesus knew needed to be praying, as he would be the leader of them all after his departure. Watch, and pray “lest ye enter into temptation.” He knew Peter would follow at a distance, stand by the fire in the court yard, and be tempted because of being where he should have been. John was not tempted, because he showed himself by being near Jesus. The servants knew who he was. Do people know where we stand?

38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
It was because of the weakness of the flesh, that Peter was tempted, and denied that he even knew Jesus. His Galilean accent betrayed him.
39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

The second prayer was the same. The prayer was the same, but underlying that, was the fact of what his death would accomplish. He would take upon himself all the sins of the world. This is the burden that horrified him, far beyond the crucifixion itself. This is why his Father would turn from him as he breathed his last on the cross and caused him to cry out, “Why hast thou forsaken me?” That is a rhetorical question. The answer is obvious to all. We recall, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” He did not sin, but he chose to die for us.

40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

In a culture which had a number of kisses of various sorts, the feet, the back or palm of the hand, or the hem of the garment, but, Judas chose the one reserved for one for whom you had the very highest respect, emphasizing the betrayal all the more.

45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

This young man could well have been the writer of this Gospel, the son of Mary the upper room of whose house the apostles have left earlier that evening. It is thought that he had been sleeping and simply heard the commotion of the passing crowd and followed wearing a simple Roman toga or his sleeping garments.

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

MARCH

25th. Sunday – Numbers 21, 22, Luke 5:18-39, Proverbs 8:1-11
26th. Monday – Numbers 23, 24, 25, Luke 6:1-26, Psalm 37:21-31
27th. Tuesday - Numbers 26, Luke 6:27-49, Psalm 37:32-40
28th. Wednesday - Numbers 27, 28, 29, Luke 7:1-23, Psalm 38:1-12
29th. Thursday - Numbers 30, 31, Luke 7:24-50, Proverbs 8:12-21
30th. Friday – Numbers 32, 33, Luke 8:1-18, Psalm 38:13-32
31st. Saturday - Numbers 34, 35, 36, Luke 8:19-40, Psalm 39

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
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From the Archive

The football coach, dejected because his team was losing, looked down at his bench of available substitutes and yelled, "All right Jones, go in there and get ferocious!"

Jones jumped to his feet, "Sure coach," he cried, slamming on his headgear.

"What's his number?"

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A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her 5 and
6 year-olds. After explaining the commandment "Honor thy Father and thy mother," she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"

Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill."