9/20/09

Mark 14:26-52 (New International Version)

26When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
27"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written:
" 'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.'[a] 28But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."

30"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice[b] you yourself will disown me three times."

31But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.

Gethsemane
32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36"Abba,[c] Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

37Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

39Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

41Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Jesus Arrested
43Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
44Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. 46The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

48"Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." 50Then everyone deserted him and fled.

51A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.


It's easy to think that Satan temporarily gained the upper hand concerning Jesus' death, but God was in control. Satan gained no victory-everything went as God had planned. Jesus expressed his true feelings, but he did not deny or rebel against God's will. He reaffirmed his desire to do what God wanted. The sinless son took on our sin and was seperated from God for a while so that we could be eternally saved. Jesus understood the suffering he was about to encounter and he did not want to have to endure this horrible experience., but he prayed "Not what I will, but what you will.".Anything worth having costs something. What does your commitment to God cost you? Be willing to pay the price to gain something worthwhile in the end. In times of stress, we are vulnerable to temptation even with a willing spirit. Jesus says we should pray to God, Seek support of friends and loved ones, and focus on the purpose God has given us.

The heart of worship is surrender. It is the natural response to God's amazing love and mercy. We give ourselves to him, not out of fear or duty, but out of love. God wants your life-- all of it. 95% is not enough. Fear, pride, and confusion block our total surrender to God. We must trust God which means that you must know him better. We must admit our limitations. We cannot let pride get in our way. It is when we try to be God, that we end up most like Satan, who desired the same thing. We may become envious because God gave someone else something tht we don't have. You must sacrifice your life to him in order to change what needs to be changed. Surrendering is best demonstrated in obedience. You can't call Jesus your Lord when you refuse to obey him.Let God work things out instead of trying to do it your way. Just like our scripture said today, jesus is the supreme example of self-surrender. We have to endure intense warfare against our self-centered nature. If you will surrender though, you will experience peace, freedom, and you'll experience God's power in your life. If you don't surrender to God you will eventually surrender to something. Your wisest moments will be those when you say yes to God. You cannot fulfill God's purposes for your life while focusing on your own plans. Quit trying to drive the car of life and let Jesus take control. Now is your time to surrender to God's love, wisdom, and grace.

Our most gracious Heavenly Father, Thank you for your son who died on the cross so that we may have eternal life. I ask that no matter my circumstances, that your will, not my will be done. If my situation and suffering go to the glory of your kingdom, then please do not remove thm from me. Lord help me to be willing to pay the price. Thank you so much for the continued support of my friends and family. Please show me my purpose today as I go out into the world. Grant me opportunities to serve you. I continually pray for this home bible study that you have placed on my heart. Show me what you would have me do. Help me to surrender to you on all matters. I ask that you take away all fear, pride, and confusion in my life. Lord help me to not be envious of others as you give us all unique gifts and talents to serve you with. I am your servant. Instead of trying to work out my problems myself, I ask that you do it for me. Thank you for the so many blessings that you have given me, and I ask that you forgive me where I fail you. In Jesus name I pray.....amen.