Bible Studies
Following the Messiah(Part 21): The Final Day: Gethsemane
Series: Following the MessiahWayne T. Galloway
www.fortloganchurchofchrist.com
8 Following the Messiah Episode 9 (0-8:07) The Final Day: Gethsemane
Opening:
1. You have viewed the video “Following the Messiah Episode 9” at www.appianmedia.org and have worked through the study guide Lesson Eight available by request at wtg2@hughes.net.
2. In this lesson we will study about the events that transpired in the Garden of Gethsemane. We will consider His prayers there and His betrayal and arrest in the Garden.
Into the Text:
1. After concluding their time together in the upper room by praying that the apostles and all believers be united (Jn. 17) Jesus led the disciples out of town across the Kidron Valley to the foot of the Mount of Olives. Matthew and Mark called the place “Gethsemane” (Matt. 26:36; Mk. 14:32) which is a transliteration of two Hebrew words that mean “oil press.” Even today Olive Trees dominate the place. John identifies it as a garden (Jn. 18:1). Luke and John indicate that Jesus often went to this garden (Lk. 22:39; Jn. 18:2). It was where Judas expected Him to be.
The Garden of Gethsemane
Looking across the Kidron Valley from the Mount of Olives
2. Reading of Matt. 26:36-46; Mk. 14:32-42; Lk. 22:39-46.
Interestingly Jesus separates the disciples. He asks them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He takes Peter, James and John (Mk. 14:33), the two sons of Zebedeee, and tells them of his deep grief. He went a little beyond them. Luke notes that it was about a stone’s throw (22:41). He fell on His face and prayed.
His request was simple and direct. “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” Returning to the three He found them sleeping.
He went away again and prayed. “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” The imagery of the cup and drinking reminds me of His previous use of this imagery. In Matt. 20:22 when James and John came and asked for the chief places in the kingdom He had asked, “Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink?” When He returned to them again, again they were sleeping.
He went away again and prayed the same thing once more. Three times He prays. Three times He learns there is no Plan B. Luke says, “An angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him” (22:43). Luke notes that He was in such agony that His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground (22:44). When He returned to the disciples they were still sleeping.
He is resigned. “Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”
3. Reading of John 18:3-14. Note also Matt. 26:47-56; Mk. 14:43-50; Lk. 22:47-53.
Jesus could see the crowd coming from Jerusalem with their torches and lanterns, but He remained in the garden. He knows what is about to happen. There is no attempt to escape. And even after their arrival the disciples are ready to fight for Him and He says that He could appeal to His Father and have at His disposal more than twelve legions of angles. (A legion is 6,000. That’s 72,000 angels.) But He will fulfill the Scriptures (Matt. 26:52-54). He is determined to fulfill His Father’s will.
Judas betrayed Him with a kiss. This was the means chosen to identify Jesus to those sent to arrest Him.
Peter attempted to defend Jesus and cut off Malchus’ ear. Malchus was servant to the High Priest. Jesus healed his ear.
All of this must have been perplexing to the disciples. It seemed confusing even to those who came to take him captive. “All the disciples fled.” What could they do? They were powerless, but Jesus seems to be in complete control. I wonder what the walk back across the Kidron Valley and into the city was like. Did they walk back in silence? Did Judas walk back with them? Where did the disciples go when they fled? What did Malchus think? Did he keep feeling the side of his head just to make sure his ear was still there? Intriguing questions, but the Holy Spirit and the writers of the gospel accounts have other more important matters to attend to.
One thing that really stands out in this betrayal scene is the willingness with which Jesus submits to His captors. There is no hesitation here. He has already submitted to the accomplishment of His purpose. He is deliberate. He is determined. The plan of God moves ahead.
Application:
1. How do you feel about the disciples there in the Garden with Jesus who are overcome with sleep and cannot support Jesus more effectively? Do you think they really understood what was happening?
2. Have you found yourself in a situation where you were alone and knew that there was no one to help you but the Lord? What was it like? Did God send an “angel” to strengthen you? Explain.
3. Are you completely resigned to doing the will of the Father? What does that entail for you? Are you ready and willing to drink the cup the Father has planned for you? What does it mean to you that Jesus willingly endured these circumstances for you? What does it mean to you that the Father gave His son into abusers hands so that you could be free?
4. Have you ever been betrayed? What was it like?
5. As you reflect on all these circumstances what message is most powerful and applicable to you? Are you called on to have greater faith? To endure difficulty willingly? To submit to the Father’s will? To serve others?
