Matthew Study 30: 26:36-68

Dear Student of the Word,

Not much time today, so this intro will be short.  This week we look at the explanation of Jesus being seized in the Garden of Gethsemane when Judas betrayed Him to the guards and officials, about which I wrote:

26:40 – How disappointed Jesus must have been when He came back to the disciples, only to find them asleep.  What Jesus was going through, however, He had to go through alone.  No one could assist Him in His hour of sorrow.  Keep in mind that the men had drunk some wine at the Passover meal, plus the hour was late.  What’s more, they were spiritually dull, still not realizing the impending events that would lead to Jesus’ death. They did not accurately assess the spiritual situation, and therefore they did not pray as they should or could. 

v. 41 – Jesus uttered an oft-quoted truth, saying that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.  Many of our spiritual disciplines are designed to bring the body into alignment with the desires and inclinations of the spirit.  Yet our bodies often scream for attention and preeminence.  When you fast, for example, your body clamors for food. When you go to pray early in the morning or late at night, your body demands sleep.  Yet some can often stay up late to watch a comedienne, movie or sporting event with no trouble. 

Jesus knew what was ahead so He prayed.  The disciples did not know and therefore they did not pray.  Are you spiritually watchful at this point in your life?  Or has your prayer life waned, paling in significance and attention when compared to other activities?

v. 42 – Jesus did not let His disappointment with the disciples affect His own prayer life.  He returned to prayer a second time, also returning to His original theme of the cup that He was about to drink.  Jesus inquired as to whether or not the cup could pass Him by, yet He reiterated that it wasn’t His will that mattered most, but the Father’s.  Is there any cup that you must drink at this point in your life?  Are you submitting to the Father’s will in that, or are you resisting, perhaps even sounding spiritual as you resist? 

v. 43 – The disciples did not respond to Jesus first admonition to watch and pray, for they were asleep once again when Jesus returned to where they were.  Their eyes were heavy. I have felt this kind of heaviness when I have traveled overseas across many time zones.  No matter how hard I tried, I could not keep my eyes open.  Yet Jesus was able to stay awake because He understood the priority of prayer when one is being tested. He overcame His humanity to apply the proper spiritual discipline. If Jesus did it, you and I can do it, too!

v. 44 – Jesus went off a third time to pray, having checked to see if He had any conscious partners to join Him.  Once again, we see that Jesus did not let the failures of others impact His own spirituality.  He was committed to do what He needed to do whether or not anyone joined Him.  Have you allowed your own spiritual life and disciplines to suffer because of the failures of others? 

vs. 45&46 – Jesus returned to alert the men that the hour had finally arrived when He would be betrayed.  Jesus had prayed and was now convinced that the cup was not going to pass, so He embraced it.  Betrayal is a part of every person’s walk with the Lord, it seems.  I wonder if it isn’t to prove that the only One who will never betray or fail you is the Lord.  You cannot put your trust in man, but only in God.  That doesn’t mean you should not expect people to behave in a godly or loyal way.  If and when they don’t, however, you cannot let that affect your own walk with the Lord.  Are you hurt or wounded over some betrayal of a friend?  Then allow the Lord to prove to you that He is ever faithful and loyal.

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. You can write them or find the studies to Corinthians, First Timothy and Mark's gospel on the site where this week's entry is posted. You can also go there to sign up to receive each week's study.

Plus a complete collection of all my verse-by-verse Bible studies from Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, Hebrews and Revelation, along with the unpublished Faith Files, can be found on my website in the archives.  Lord willing, I hope to have the New Testament studies finished by the end of 2009.

Download matthew_study_30.doc

Comments

[Philo]

Today's study on Jesus praying at the Garden of Gethsemane, betrayed by Judas, and his disciples not realizing his peril, has really beeen a blessing.

I do identify with wanting to do God's will but struggling with the flesh.

Knowing that God will never betray me but will provide the grace needed to face each trial is an encouragement to fight on.

God bless you mightly.

Regards.