WEBVTT 00:00:00.719 --> 00:00:07.839 And we're going to be in the Gospel of Mark chapter 14, picking up right where we left off from last Sunday. 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:11.519 And let's stand for the reading of God's Word. 00:00:11.759 --> 00:00:17.519 We're going to be in Mark chapter 14, and we're going to be reading verses 27 through 52. 00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:23.280 And we're getting into some more areas of the Gospel where we're reading more of a story. 00:00:23.440 --> 00:00:25.199 There's different things that are going on. 00:00:25.280 --> 00:00:27.120 So we're going to be taking some bigger chunks. 00:00:27.199 --> 00:00:33.200 But I really see this reading of God's Word as probably the most important thing that we do any Sunday. 00:00:33.359 --> 00:00:38.719 So I like to take the time to read through the whole passage because this is the Word of God. 00:00:38.799 --> 00:00:41.759 And that's why we stand when we read the Word of God as well. 00:00:42.000 --> 00:00:46.640 Because this we know when I'm talking, sometimes you got to filter some stuff out. 00:00:47.119 --> 00:00:53.039 But we're reading the Word of God, we know this is a hundred percent true and directly from God. 00:00:53.520 --> 00:00:57.759 So let's start in verse 27 of Mark chapter 14. 00:00:58.240 --> 00:01:06.239 It says, Then Jesus said to them, All of you will fall away, because it is written, I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. 00:01:06.400 --> 00:01:10.959 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee. 00:01:11.200 --> 00:01:15.439 Peter told him, Even if everyone falls away, I will not. 00:01:15.680 --> 00:01:24.640 Truly I tell you, Jesus said to him, Today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times. 00:01:24.879 --> 00:01:30.719 But he kept insisting, If I have to die with you, I will never deny you. 00:01:30.879 --> 00:01:33.120 And they all said the same thing. 00:01:33.439 --> 00:01:39.920 Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, Sit here while I pray. 00:01:40.159 --> 00:01:45.439 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 00:01:45.599 --> 00:01:50.159 He said to them, I am deeply grieved to the point of death. 00:01:50.480 --> 00:01:52.640 Remain here and stay awake. 00:01:52.879 --> 00:01:59.599 He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 00:01:59.840 --> 00:02:04.480 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. 00:02:04.719 --> 00:02:06.879 Take this cup away from me. 00:02:07.120 --> 00:02:11.439 Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will. 00:02:11.680 --> 00:02:13.360 Then he came and found them sleeping. 00:02:13.520 --> 00:02:15.840 He said to Peter, Simon, are you sleeping? 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:18.319 Couldn't you stay awake one hour? 00:02:18.560 --> 00:02:22.800 Stay awake and pray so that you won't enter into temptation. 00:02:23.039 --> 00:02:25.680 The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 00:02:25.919 --> 00:02:29.439 Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:34.479 And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. 00:02:34.639 --> 00:02:37.439 They did not know what to say to him. 00:02:37.680 --> 00:02:43.039 Then he came a third time and said to them, Are you still sleeping and resting? 00:02:43.280 --> 00:02:43.919 Enough. 00:02:44.159 --> 00:02:45.280 The time has come. 00:02:45.520 --> 00:02:48.719 See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 00:02:48.960 --> 00:02:50.400 Get up, let's go. 00:02:50.719 --> 00:02:52.719 See, my betrayer is near. 00:02:52.960 --> 00:02:56.639 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, suddenly arrived. 00:02:56.800 --> 00:03:03.680 With him was a mob with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 00:03:03.919 --> 00:03:06.319 His betrayer had given them a signal. 00:03:06.560 --> 00:03:09.199 The one I kissed, he said, he's the one. 00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:12.879 Arrest him and make take him away under guard. 00:03:13.120 --> 00:03:19.120 So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, Rabbi, and kissed him. 00:03:19.360 --> 00:03:21.599 They took hold of him and arrested him. 00:03:21.759 --> 00:03:28.080 One of those who stood by drew his sword, struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his ear. 00:03:28.319 --> 00:03:35.759 Jesus said to them, Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I am a criminal to capture me? 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:40.159 Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn't arrest me. 00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:42.639 But the scriptures must be fulfilled. 00:03:42.879 --> 00:03:45.599 Then they all deserted him and ran away. 00:03:45.840 --> 00:03:50.479 Now a certain young man, wearing nothing but a linen cloth, was following him. 00:03:50.639 --> 00:03:56.159 They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked. 00:03:56.400 --> 00:03:57.280 Let's pray. 00:03:57.599 --> 00:04:00.240 Lord, I thank you for this passage. 00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:08.080 Or we thank you for the gift of Jesus and that all that he did for us and all that he suffered through. 00:04:08.240 --> 00:04:17.439 And to look today at this passage and to see the stress that he was under, the pressure that he was under with all of these things looming just ahead of him. 00:04:17.759 --> 00:04:28.399 Lord, I pray that you would help us to see this picture of Christ clearly, that we would truly appreciate afresh and anew all that Jesus went through for us. 00:04:28.560 --> 00:04:35.279 Lord, I pray that you would help me to rightly divide your word here this morning, that I would be your mouthpiece and that we would all leave here. 00:04:35.519 --> 00:04:47.600 Lord, encouraged from the things that we're learning from you, convicted with the things that you want to convict us of, Lord, but with soft hearts and open minds and ears and eyes for the things that you have for us directly here today. 00:04:47.839 --> 00:04:50.000 We pray these things in Jesus' name. 00:04:50.319 --> 00:04:50.879 Amen. 00:04:51.120 --> 00:04:52.399 You may be seated. 00:04:53.199 --> 00:05:03.199 So last Sunday, and I know that seems like it was a really long time ago, Ben was teaching, and we went through Jesus' anointing at Bethany. 00:05:03.439 --> 00:05:08.000 We went through their preparation for the Passover that they went through. 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:12.800 We saw the institution of the Lord's Supper, so communion. 00:05:13.360 --> 00:05:20.639 And it simply ended in verse 26 with, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 00:05:20.720 --> 00:05:23.279 And that's exactly where we're picking up here this morning. 00:05:23.519 --> 00:05:24.720 So that's the scene. 00:05:24.879 --> 00:05:31.040 Jesus and his disciples on the Mount of Olives, or maybe even on the way to the Mount of Olives, we don't know for sure. 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:34.639 And Jesus telling the disciples what is about to happen. 00:05:34.800 --> 00:05:39.839 And I want to point out that Jesus is hours away from his trial. 00:05:40.000 --> 00:05:45.839 He's probably roughly only about 12 hours or so away from his crucifixion. 00:05:46.079 --> 00:05:48.399 And he's singing a hymn. 00:05:49.360 --> 00:05:54.879 And he's still placing his time and attention on his disciples, as we're going to see. 00:05:55.040 --> 00:05:58.000 He's prepping them for what lies ahead. 00:05:58.480 --> 00:06:04.079 Which for them isn't going to be even close to what he is about to go through. 00:06:04.319 --> 00:06:08.240 But Jesus continues to place his focus on others. 00:06:08.399 --> 00:06:14.879 And I want us to think about that because that is a very hard thing to do, to know that you are 12 hours away from crucifixion. 00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:23.920 Now you're only hours away from your rest, from your arrest, and you're still putting your time and your attention and your focus on others. 00:06:24.079 --> 00:06:26.000 So let's pick up right in verse 27. 00:06:26.160 --> 00:06:35.279 It says, Then Jesus said to them, All of you will fall away, because it is written, I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. 00:06:35.519 --> 00:06:41.120 So Jesus is quoting here a prophe prophecy from Zechariah 13, 7. 00:06:42.560 --> 00:06:46.079 Which at this moment in Mark's gospel, it's still in the future. 00:06:46.160 --> 00:06:49.199 It's still a prophecy that has not taken place yet. 00:06:49.360 --> 00:06:53.199 And Jesus is saying, in just a few hours I will be struck. 00:06:53.439 --> 00:06:57.839 And not one of you disciples is going to be sticking around by my side. 00:06:57.920 --> 00:07:02.000 You're all going to scatter, you're all going to deny me in one way or the other. 00:07:02.319 --> 00:07:10.240 But the thing that I want us to notice is that Jesus doesn't lash out in anger towards his disciples, even knowing what they're about to do. 00:07:10.399 --> 00:07:18.720 He doesn't lash out in disappointment to them, just knowing that they're about to completely abandon him, his best friends. 00:07:18.959 --> 00:07:26.000 And he just goes on continuing to focus on them, continuing to help his disciples to see more clearly. 00:07:26.160 --> 00:07:28.000 Look at the second half of verse 27. 00:07:28.079 --> 00:07:33.040 It says, But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee. 00:07:33.120 --> 00:07:34.959 So this is just further instructor. 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:39.040 You know, in short, a lot's about to go down in the next day or so. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:45.199 But when it's all done, when it's all over, when I'm risen from the dead three days later, I'm going to head to Galilee. 00:07:45.360 --> 00:07:46.240 Meet me there. 00:07:46.480 --> 00:07:56.079 It's kind of like Jesus already forgave them for the denial and the abandonment that was about to take place, that they were about to commit. 00:07:56.240 --> 00:07:57.600 You know, think about that. 00:07:58.240 --> 00:08:08.399 He's already looking past their sin, past their denial, and he's already starting to care for their future needs after he's resurrected from the dead. 00:08:08.639 --> 00:08:17.680 You know, I've lost count of how many times Jesus has explained what exactly is going to happen in these next three days to his disciples as we've gone through the book of Mark. 00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:22.560 But here he clearly says, after I have risen. 00:08:23.680 --> 00:08:28.079 And then after he does rise, does anybody remember what do the disciples do? 00:08:28.639 --> 00:08:34.080 They act like it was the last thing that they ever thought could possibly happen. 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:35.120 Happens. 00:08:35.519 --> 00:08:40.000 But we're going to get to that when we hit chapter 16 here in Mark in just a couple weeks. 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:47.440 So verse 29, it says, Peter told him, even if everyone falls away, I will not. 00:08:47.759 --> 00:08:54.000 You know, knowing the end of the story, as I think we all do, this is really painful to read. 00:08:54.240 --> 00:09:01.919 You know, Peter is trying his best to do his best to be a loyal follower of Jesus Christ. 00:09:02.159 --> 00:09:08.639 You know, and as we've seen, Peter's never lacked boldness in everything that we've seen in Mark so far. 00:09:08.879 --> 00:09:19.360 And he's bold enough right here to not only argue with Jesus, but to argue against the prophecy that Jesus just reminded them of in Zechariah. 00:09:19.600 --> 00:09:23.120 And say, not only are you wrong, Jesus, but that prophecy's wrong. 00:09:23.279 --> 00:09:26.320 I'm gonna follow you all the way through your death. 00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:37.919 But what's going to be revealed is that where Peter is strong in his flesh, at least in his own mind, will actually end up being his weakness spiritually. 00:09:38.480 --> 00:09:42.879 Because his confidence is in himself and it's not in Jesus. 00:09:43.120 --> 00:09:51.759 You know, if Peter was able to follow through on this, on everything that he is telling Jesus that he's going to do, I think there's no doubt. 00:09:51.840 --> 00:09:56.000 You know, we've seen him, these disciples arguing over and over about who's the greatest, who's the greatest. 00:09:56.320 --> 00:10:01.600 Peter was able to go through with this, I think there would be no doubt that Peter was the greatest disciple. 00:10:01.840 --> 00:10:08.960 But in that moment, I think Peter really thought that he could endure anything that Jesus was going to go through. 00:10:09.039 --> 00:10:11.679 I think he really believed it on the inside. 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:16.159 But his confidence and his trust is not in God. 00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:19.600 It's in his own strength and what he thinks he can do on his own. 00:10:19.759 --> 00:10:21.519 Look at verse 30 with me. 00:10:22.320 --> 00:10:31.360 Truly I tell you, Jesus said to him, Today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times. 00:10:31.600 --> 00:10:36.399 And as we'll see, Jesus keeps accurately telling them what's going to happen. 00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:39.360 And he's doing it with extremely great detail. 00:10:39.600 --> 00:10:52.159 Basically, what he's saying is before dawn, before we even see the sun again, because they're in darkness at this point, this very night, Peter, you are going to deny that you even know me three times. 00:10:52.559 --> 00:10:56.080 Verse 31, but he kept insisting. 00:10:56.240 --> 00:11:01.039 So this is Peter, if I have to die with you, I will never deny you. 00:11:01.279 --> 00:11:05.840 And they all, so all the disciples, they all said the same thing. 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:10.159 You know, the CSB says that Peter kept insisting. 00:11:10.240 --> 00:11:17.360 But you might be holding a translation that says that he spoke more vehemently or he spoke more emphatically. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:20.639 You see, Peter is convinced that Jesus is wrong. 00:11:20.799 --> 00:11:29.919 And the language that we have in all these translations kind of insinuates that he's probably even getting angry with Jesus at this point because Jesus won't believe him. 00:11:30.080 --> 00:11:32.720 That's how confident he is in himself. 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:38.080 You know, it's kind of the attitude of don't tell me what I can and cannot do, God. 00:11:41.840 --> 00:11:45.360 And I'm so glad that none of us struggle with that today. 00:11:45.519 --> 00:11:48.000 That we're all just past that, right? 00:11:48.879 --> 00:11:54.559 Peter has a lot of confidence when his feet are not to the fire. 00:11:55.440 --> 00:12:03.600 But in just a few hours, when Peter's feet are held to the fire, we'll see that his confidence is completely misplaced. 00:12:03.919 --> 00:12:09.279 You know, 1 Corinthians chapter 10, verses 12 through 13 say this, and I'll read it to you. 00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:16.000 It says, So whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:20.799 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:22.879 But God is faithful. 00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:27.120 He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able. 00:12:27.360 --> 00:12:34.639 But with the temptation, he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it. 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:41.840 And I bring this up because Peter thought that he could stand and not fall. 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:47.679 And I bring this up because Peter did have a way out. 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:51.919 A scenario where he didn't have to deny Jesus. 00:12:52.320 --> 00:12:56.320 But that's going to come up in a couple verses, so just hang on to that thought. 00:12:56.639 --> 00:13:04.159 But then we see at the end of verse 31, we see that all the disciples chime in and say, Yeah, Jesus, you know, we got your back. 00:13:04.320 --> 00:13:05.600 Just like Peter, us too. 00:13:05.919 --> 00:13:07.600 We're with you to the end, Jesus. 00:13:07.759 --> 00:13:13.759 And I just imagine at this point that Jesus' heart just must be breaking for his disciples. 00:13:14.559 --> 00:13:36.559 They have all of this misplaced confidence, and he knows that it's about to be completely shattered, and that their lives are going to be completely shattered for about three days, filled with doubt and filled with remorse and fear and mourning and just confusion about everything that just happened, even though Jesus laid it out for them so clearly. 00:13:36.879 --> 00:13:45.919 So now the scene's going to shift from the general location of the Mount of Olives, which it tells us, to a specific place at the foot of the Mount of Olives. 00:13:46.080 --> 00:13:51.200 Verse 32, it says, Then they came to a place named Gethsemane. 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:53.279 So let's just stop right there. 00:13:53.840 --> 00:13:57.200 Gethsemane is just east of Jerusalem. 00:13:57.600 --> 00:14:03.279 And something that's interesting is that Gethsemane literally means an olive press. 00:14:03.840 --> 00:14:12.639 It was a place where the fruit of the olive trees would be gathered together, so the olives, and they would be crushed to be made into olive oil. 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:22.559 Which I think is completely appropriate because this is a place that we're going to see Jesus crushed under the weight of the cross that lied ahead of him. 00:14:22.960 --> 00:14:30.720 Crushed under the weight of separation from the Father when Jesus becomes sin for us. 00:14:31.440 --> 00:14:36.320 He's stressed to the point, as we read, where he's sweating drops of blood. 00:14:36.559 --> 00:14:40.559 And before we look at this, I want to ask you a question. 00:14:41.679 --> 00:14:44.399 Have you ever been in Gethsemane? 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:59.759 Not in Israel, but in a place in your life where you were under so much pressure, where the weight of the world or whatever the situation was was so intense that nothing else other than God would do. 00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:12.080 Where food lost its taste, where things and possessions just didn't matter anymore, where you could feel a literal weight on your shoulders all day long. 00:15:12.320 --> 00:15:18.960 Where you're walking around and you feel like somebody socked you in the stomach and you were finding it even hard to breathe. 00:15:19.440 --> 00:15:25.519 Where you knew no one else would understand exactly what you were going through except for God. 00:15:26.080 --> 00:15:28.399 That's where Jesus is right now. 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:32.960 But so much more intense than anything that we've ever experienced. 00:15:33.279 --> 00:15:36.240 But that is the state that Jesus is in right now. 00:15:36.399 --> 00:15:38.559 Look at the second half of verse 32. 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:43.440 It says, And he told his disciples, Sit here while I pray. 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:49.919 He took Peter, James, and John with him and began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:55.279 He said to them, I am deeply grieved to the point of death. 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:58.799 Remain here and stay awake. 00:15:59.039 --> 00:16:07.519 So Jesus has all of his disciples take a seat, and then he takes three of those disciples, and they go on just a little bit further into Gethsemane. 00:16:08.559 --> 00:16:12.000 And what does he tell those three specific disciples? 00:16:12.559 --> 00:16:14.799 He says, stay awake. 00:16:15.039 --> 00:16:23.759 And then he admits to these three that he is so grieved that he is so filled with sorrow that it's almost to the point of death for him. 00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:25.519 Verse 35. 00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:37.919 He, so Jesus, went a little further than those three disciples, fell to the ground, and he prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:42.480 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. 00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:45.440 Take this cup away from me. 00:16:45.679 --> 00:16:49.519 Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will. 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:54.159 So Jesus is in anguish, and he turns to his father. 00:16:54.480 --> 00:17:06.000 In the darkest moment of his life to this point, he reminds himself and he reminds God that all things are possible with God and through God. 00:17:06.960 --> 00:17:12.319 And then we see his petition take this cup away from me. 00:17:13.039 --> 00:17:17.599 This cup that Jesus was about to bear, it wasn't only torture. 00:17:18.480 --> 00:17:23.680 This cup that he was about to bear was so much more than that. 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:36.559 And I really believe that more so than the torture that was coming, it was the separation from God that Jesus was about to experience that was grieving him so deeply. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:50.160 2 Corinthians 5 21 says, He made the one who did not know sin, referring to Jesus, to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:53.519 Jesus was about to become sin. 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:56.319 He was about to become our sin. 00:17:56.640 --> 00:18:07.680 And Isaiah 59, 2 says, But your iniquities are separating you from God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he does not listen. 00:18:08.079 --> 00:18:12.079 Jesus is about to become, and please hear me in this. 00:18:16.960 --> 00:18:22.480 He's about to become exactly what brings separation between God and humanity. 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:25.279 He's about to become sin for us. 00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:29.359 He's about to become what God hides his face from. 00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:35.839 That's what Jesus is about to willfully bear for our sake on the cross. 00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:39.440 And the thought of that is absolutely crushing him. 00:18:40.319 --> 00:18:44.319 So Jesus prays, take this cup from me. 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:46.799 This is too much to bear. 00:18:47.119 --> 00:18:52.400 The cup of God's wrath towards sin, for think of all of the sin that Jesus poured. 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:56.079 It was for centuries past and it was for centuries to come. 00:18:56.400 --> 00:18:59.839 All of that sin Jesus was about to bear. 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:07.759 And he's saying, if there is any other way, Father, can we do it that way? 00:19:08.640 --> 00:19:16.880 If there is any other way to save those people of abide Calvary, can we do it another way? 00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:23.839 But then he prays, nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will. 00:19:24.160 --> 00:19:30.160 You know, as horrible as this is going to be, if this is the only way, Father, then let's do it. 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:34.799 Luke's gospel adds something in here that we don't see in the Gospel of Mark. 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:42.880 And Luke says, an angel appeared to him from heaven, strengthened him, and being in agony, he prayed more earnestly. 00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:48.319 Then his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:56.079 This is such a different posture and such a different tone than what we just saw from Peter, isn't it? 00:19:56.559 --> 00:19:58.720 Peter's like, hey, I got this. 00:19:58.880 --> 00:20:02.960 You know, I you know, I'll argue with you, I'll argue with prophecy, Jesus. 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.680 I got this. 00:20:03.839 --> 00:20:05.200 But then here's Jesus. 00:20:05.359 --> 00:20:10.079 Take this cup from me, but not my will, but yours, Father. 00:20:10.319 --> 00:20:17.680 Jesus recognizes that he can't do this through the strength of his humanity, through his fleshly strength. 00:20:17.839 --> 00:20:19.599 He needs God in this moment. 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:23.680 And God sends an angel to Jesus' aid. 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:29.839 Peter thinks in his humanity that he's got this on his own. 00:20:30.160 --> 00:20:33.839 And let's look at where that brings Peter in verse 37. 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:38.640 It says, Then he, referring to Jesus, came and found them sleeping. 00:20:38.799 --> 00:20:42.240 He said to Peter, Simon, are you sleeping? 00:20:42.559 --> 00:20:45.519 Couldn't you stay awake one hour? 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:49.680 You know, Peter has told Jesus, I'm gonna die for you. 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:54.240 But his actions are now saying, but I'm not gonna lose sleep for you. 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:58.480 I'll give you everything, but not the little things. 00:20:58.720 --> 00:21:06.640 And he's only going to prove that he isn't going to do either the little things or the big things, at least in this moment. 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:10.960 And I wonder if this is a prick to Peter's spirit. 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:12.960 You know, Jesus calls him Simon. 00:21:13.039 --> 00:21:14.000 Did you notice that? 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:19.359 If you're a highlighter and an underliner, highlight and underline that in this passage. 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.960 Jesus calls him Simon. 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:26.319 And it's the first time that we've seen Peter call him Simon since chapter 3. 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:28.640 Because this is his old name. 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:31.440 This is his name given in the flesh. 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:34.480 Peter was the name that Jesus gave him. 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:36.319 Simon was the old man. 00:21:36.559 --> 00:21:38.000 Peter was the new man. 00:21:38.160 --> 00:21:41.440 So Peter's words, I'll follow you to death. 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:43.440 Those were his words. 00:21:43.599 --> 00:21:47.440 But Peter's actions, but I'm not gonna lose sleep for you. 00:21:48.160 --> 00:21:50.319 You know, I've come across something similar. 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:57.519 I've seen in marriage counseling, you know, where a husband will say, you know, I will lay down my life for my wife. 00:21:57.680 --> 00:21:59.759 I'll throw myself in front of a moving vehicle. 00:22:00.559 --> 00:22:03.039 For her, but I won't do the dishes. 00:22:05.119 --> 00:22:10.960 And like Peter, I think those husbands won't do either when it really comes down to it. 00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:13.680 And I'm not just gonna pick on husbands today. 00:22:13.839 --> 00:22:16.799 I think in some ways we all do this with God. 00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:23.839 You know, I'll devote my life to you, but I don't have the time to be in your word or to be in prayer. 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:26.000 You know, I just have too much going on. 00:22:26.160 --> 00:22:32.480 I'll give my life to you, Jesus, but I only have time for you for an hour and 20 minutes on Sunday mornings. 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:34.480 Just too much going on, Jesus. 00:22:34.640 --> 00:22:35.599 You know, I'm too tired. 00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:36.799 I had a long week. 00:22:37.039 --> 00:22:44.720 And I think that verse 38, it's not only an admonishment from Jesus to Peter, but I think it's to us as well. 00:22:44.880 --> 00:22:47.680 So let's place ourselves in verse 38 as well. 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:53.759 And it says, stay awake and pray so that you won't enter into temptation. 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:57.519 The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 00:22:57.759 --> 00:23:00.559 So there's two instructions that Jesus gives here. 00:23:00.880 --> 00:23:01.759 Stay awake. 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:03.599 So be watchful, be alert. 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:05.839 And the second is pray. 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:11.200 You know, remember, we talked about God not tempting us beyond what we're able. 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:16.799 That means that Peter could have had victory over this temptation to deny Christ. 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:19.920 And I think this is how he could have. 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:24.720 If he would have stayed awake and if he would have prayed. 00:23:25.119 --> 00:23:30.559 Because prayer is an outright recognition that God is God and we are not. 00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:36.880 It's a true act of humility for us to enter into a prayer relationship with God. 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:43.759 Something we see in Jesus, but something that we do not see in Peter yet, at least. 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:48.960 And I want to ask the question who comes through in the end? 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:51.599 That's an easy Sunday school answer. 00:23:51.839 --> 00:23:53.119 Jesus, right? 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:56.960 It's not the one saying, I've got this. 00:23:57.200 --> 00:24:01.200 Or the one, it's the one saying, you know, Father, help. 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:02.799 I can't do this on my own. 00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:04.960 Can you take this cup from me? 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:07.440 But not my will, but your will. 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:10.960 You see, Peter is willing, but his flesh is weak. 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:14.960 Jesus is willing, and he's denying his flesh. 00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:17.279 And there's a big difference there. 00:24:18.160 --> 00:24:21.680 Jesus is submitting everything to the will of the Father. 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:24.240 And I think that's where we really need to take note. 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:27.440 We need to be the ones praying, Lord, take this. 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:33.440 When we're in our own Gethsemane, when we're in the olive press, so to speak. 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:38.240 We need to be the ones saying, I can't do this on my own. 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:42.799 Jesus' dependence was on the Father. 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:47.519 Exactly where our dependence needs to be as well. 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:50.240 Look at verse 39 with me. 00:24:50.559 --> 00:24:56.000 It says, Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. 00:24:56.240 --> 00:25:01.680 And again he came and found them sleeping because they could not keep their eyes open. 00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:04.799 They did not know what to say to him. 00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:07.119 They got caught again. 00:25:07.759 --> 00:25:10.319 And they don't know what to say. 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:11.839 Think about that. 00:25:12.160 --> 00:25:14.960 Peter didn't know what to say. 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:18.000 He's the one that always knew what to say, or at least he thought he did. 00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:19.599 He was always the one jumping in. 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:22.480 And in this moment, they just did not know what to say. 00:25:22.640 --> 00:25:23.839 Verse 41. 00:25:24.079 --> 00:25:30.240 Then he came a third time and said to them, Are you still sleeping and resting? 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:31.200 Enough. 00:25:32.160 --> 00:25:36.000 Jesus gave these guys two instructions to follow. 00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:38.559 Stay awake and pray. 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:41.119 And it's obvious that they can't do either. 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:46.559 And as a result, in a few moments, they will all, in one way or another, deny him. 00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:52.720 This is symbolically two things that I think every Christian needs to be. 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:56.720 We need to be awake, not sleeping through life. 00:25:56.880 --> 00:26:00.400 We need to be awake and alert to the things of God. 00:26:01.200 --> 00:26:05.119 And praying always, praying without ceasing. 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:10.880 Two things that the disciples couldn't do at this time and in this moment. 00:26:11.119 --> 00:26:13.680 So Jesus finally says, enough. 00:26:13.920 --> 00:26:14.880 It's time. 00:26:15.440 --> 00:26:17.440 Verse 41, look at the second half. 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:19.680 It says, The time has come. 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:23.440 See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:25.279 Get up, let's go. 00:26:25.599 --> 00:26:28.000 See, my betrayer is near. 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:30.559 Think of what Jesus is doing. 00:26:31.119 --> 00:26:38.799 He's waiting for his execution, for the most torturous and painful thing that could ever happen to him. 00:26:39.119 --> 00:26:46.079 He's waiting for the separation from God that he's about to experience, which he has never experienced before. 00:26:46.319 --> 00:26:55.359 But in this time of prayer, in this strengthening that he received from this angel, Jesus has come to a place of resolve, we see. 00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:56.880 He's now ready. 00:26:57.119 --> 00:27:02.960 He has accepted that cup and is now walking into the teeth of his enemies. 00:27:03.200 --> 00:27:04.079 Not away from. 00:27:04.319 --> 00:27:05.119 He's not running away. 00:27:05.200 --> 00:27:07.359 He's walking into the teeth of his enemies. 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:09.279 He's walking toward them. 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:12.559 He's accepted the will of the Father at this point. 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:15.599 He's accepted that cup that the Father was handing him. 00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:18.880 And he grabbed it and he said, Okay, it's time to do this. 00:27:19.039 --> 00:27:20.960 Look at verse 43 with me. 00:27:21.359 --> 00:27:25.279 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, suddenly arrived. 00:27:25.440 --> 00:27:32.079 With him was a mob with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 00:27:32.319 --> 00:27:35.039 His betrayer had given them a signal. 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:37.680 The one I kissed, he said, he is the one. 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:40.480 Arrest him and take him away under guard. 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:46.160 So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, Rabbi, and kissed him. 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:48.480 They took hold of him and arrested him. 00:27:48.640 --> 00:27:52.319 So Judas leads this mob right to Jesus. 00:27:52.559 --> 00:27:54.160 And then think about this. 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:57.599 He betrays Jesus with affection. 00:27:58.720 --> 00:28:04.400 He uses the affectionate title of rabbi and then he gives him a kiss. 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:08.000 This was his familiarity with Jesus. 00:28:08.160 --> 00:28:11.599 He'd been walking with him for about three years at this point. 00:28:11.839 --> 00:28:16.480 But the thing is, is familiarity doesn't equal salvation. 00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:19.039 It doesn't equal submission. 00:28:19.839 --> 00:28:22.079 It doesn't equal devotion. 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:28.880 Sometimes it just means that we profit in some way for looking religious, for looking the part. 00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:31.759 But in reality, it's just for our own benefit. 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:36.000 And that is exactly what Judas is doing in this moment. 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:40.960 He's looking the part of a follower of Christ for his own gain. 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:42.480 Verse 47. 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:50.319 One of those who stood by, drew his sword, struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his ear. 00:28:50.640 --> 00:29:01.279 Now we know from John's account of this happening that this is Peter that actually did this, that drew the sword and cut this guy's ears or ear off, only one of them. 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:09.680 And we haven't mentioned this in a while, but the Gospel of Mark was considered by early church fathers to be the Gospel of Mark according to Peter. 00:29:09.839 --> 00:29:15.680 Mark spent a good amount of time with Peter, and there's some evidence that Mark was actually Peter's scribe. 00:29:15.920 --> 00:29:25.039 So when verse 47 says, one of those who stood by drew his sword, I just imagine Peter dictating this story to Mark. 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:31.200 And he's like, yeah, one of the disciples pull the sword out and chop the guy's ear off. 00:29:31.440 --> 00:29:32.799 And Mark's like, Really? 00:29:32.960 --> 00:29:33.599 Which one? 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:35.599 He's like, hey, you don't need to worry about that. 00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:37.200 Just keep writing, okay? 00:29:37.920 --> 00:29:42.400 But somehow Peter's not mentioned in this spot in Mark's gospel. 00:29:43.279 --> 00:29:48.799 Because Peter, as we've seen, he's the ready fire aim apostle. 00:29:49.119 --> 00:29:53.039 The one that never needed to be instructed to take initiative. 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:59.839 And God used that in Peter once he submitted himself to the authority of the Holy Spirit. 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:10.960 But here we see the Peter that is still trusting in his own flesh to handle the hardest times, trusting in his own initiative and his own bravery and his own boldness. 00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:13.279 And ends up trying to interfere. 00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:14.240 Think about this. 00:30:14.400 --> 00:30:21.359 He ends up trying to interfere with the cup that Jesus just willfully accepted from the Father. 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:23.279 Verse 48. 00:30:30.640 --> 00:30:35.039 Every day I was among you teaching in the temple, and you didn't arrest me. 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:38.400 But the scriptures must be fulfilled. 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:41.200 Basically, Jesus is saying, Do you know nothing of me? 00:30:41.440 --> 00:30:47.440 You know, we've been around each other a lot in this past week, and I've been in the temple teaching every day. 00:30:47.599 --> 00:30:50.640 Do you know nothing of me that this is how you come to get me? 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:51.920 Verse 50. 00:30:52.240 --> 00:30:57.839 Then they all, speaking of the disciples, deserted him and ran away. 00:30:58.079 --> 00:31:02.079 Now a certain young man wearing nothing but a linen cloth was following him. 00:31:02.240 --> 00:31:07.200 They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked. 00:31:07.440 --> 00:31:13.920 So all of the disciples abandoned Jesus in the time of his greatest need. 00:31:15.119 --> 00:31:19.200 They didn't slowly back away into the night in the darkness. 00:31:19.440 --> 00:31:26.799 It says right here in verse 50 that they ran just as Jesus predicted that they would. 00:31:27.039 --> 00:31:33.200 Even though they all said that they wouldn't, because their confidence was misplaced. 00:31:33.440 --> 00:31:38.720 And this is what I want to end with today, with this question. 00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:42.400 What changed in the disciples? 00:31:43.359 --> 00:31:47.119 These disciples that we just saw, they all fled. 00:31:47.279 --> 00:31:51.519 Their feet got held to the fire and they all fled. 00:31:52.240 --> 00:32:02.799 What change that made these men stand in the face of persecution and become the men that laid the foundation of the church as we know it today? 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:08.000 What change that made them so strong to be able to become martyrs? 00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:13.680 All of them, except for the apostle John, all became martyrs in one way or the other. 00:32:14.000 --> 00:32:16.880 John ended up exiled to die on an island. 00:32:16.960 --> 00:32:18.480 I don't know which is worse. 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:20.240