SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:32-36
Jesus knows that it is not good for Him to be in the garden alone (see Genesis 2:18), whether Eden or Gethsemane.
He enters this battle zone with the support of His friends (though they let Him down, see v.37), and God.
He still wrestles in prayer alone, but they are there (or are they, see v.37).
But he is never really alone: You will leave me all alone. But I am not really alone. My Father is with me. (John 16:32)
When we are facing battles, we need to remember two things: to not try to do it alone, and to know God is always with us.
Satan succeeded in defeating Eve because she did not rely on Adam’s or God’s support – she tried it alone.
By ourselves, we are more likely to fall (see also Ecclesiastes 4:9-12), so cling to the support God provides.
The wise man of Ecclesiastes speaks of a cord of three strands (God, others, me); we need this.
Jesus battled and endured through this moment of darkness for us because He was never really alone.
You may not have a close friend, or a partner, or family close at hand, but you can still find someone (a church member or leader, a counselor, a reliable co-worker or trusted neighbor)… invite them to go through with you.
And even if their help is limited, or worse case scenario they let you down, reinforce in your heart and mind that Your Abba Father is always with you, you are never alone.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Abba, Father, it is when I forget to reach out for help from others, and when I forget Your constant presence and support, that I fall and fail in the gardens (Edens and Gethsemanes) of my own life. Help me to reach out, to others and You, to remind myself that I am never alone!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
So easy to fall into the trap of feeling isolated! I can’t imagine how Jesus felt knowing the outcome, but he still prayed “your will, not mine”. I am sometimes afraid to pray that! What if I don’t like the outcome? Thank you God for making sure that I am not alone, because my Father is with me!
Hmm, great idea, can I borrow that from you?
Norm, Your three strand rope analogy would do as a great basis for a wedding sermon.
All things are possible. Jesus left nine of the twelve behind, and then left the final three behind to go off to pray. He was all alone. He was overwhelmed to the point of death. I am not exactly sure what this meant, but he was having trouble facing what was coming next. He prayed to his Father to stop what was about to happen, but finished his prayer by submitting to what was about to take place.
I often will pray for things to be done my way, and I forget to submit to what God wants. I want to feel better, I want my problems to end, I want, I want, I want. I need to learn to pray, Yet not what I will, but what you will.
Observation/Application
Christ had been here before spending time in prayer. He broke away from the other disciples taking the three with Him for company – to keep watch. Encouragement? Support? Community in times of difficulty? Preparation? Teaching them by example?
At all times, but also in our deepest need, we not only need to support of community, but especially the presence of our Father. Christ knew what was to happen. And yet He gave in His will to the Father’s. At all times, in all times, in all situations – take it to the Lord in prayer. We are not our own but were bought with a price. He will see us through. Go to the Source. GodPower. BeStrong. GodStrong only by God’s grace.
Prayer
May Your will be done this day as You have taught us to pray.
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever.
Amen.