The Garden of Gethsemane

 

    The Lord's Table is a where we go to remember what happened to Jesus on the cross.  It started with the Passover dinner and ended with victory over death, but the middle was horrible.  Jesus who never sinned died in a way that was kept for the worst criminals.  It was brutal and it lasted for hours, but it was his choice.  He chose obedience to God and love for you over his own comfort.

    Today you get to partake in the Lord's supper because Jesus gave you the way to calvary.   It is the best kept secret because it is so obvious.  You only have to believe, repent, and follow Jesus.  Salvation is easy, following Jesus requires giving up comfort.  

    Jesus had a great last meal with a lot of meaning and unseen impact with his apostles.  After dinner the 11 that remained went on a walk with Jesus.  Judas had already left to betray Jesus.  Jesus knew what he was up to, but the apostles never suspected their friend of deceit.  They went for a walk in the Garden of Gethsemane.  This Garden now represents the quiet place you go to pray.  Jesus prayed for strength, resist temptation, and for a change of plan.  Then he accepted what needed to be done and faced it.

    This walk in the garden was him facing what was about to happen.  He needed strength and time with God, so he went to be alone to pray.  The apostles were near and were to keep watch and pray.  The only difference is that they were not away of the urgency, so they kept falling asleep.  It was late and they had full bellies.  The excitement was over and their bodies were relaxing.  However, Jesus did know.  He knew the temptations they would be facing in the next few hours.

    Jesus was in anguish.  He did not want to endure what he knew he had to face.  He prayed so fervently that his sweat had blood in it.  He knew he had to face it alone.  He knew that his friends would scatter to save their own lives.  He knew Peter would deny him, but he was willing to face it to be obedient to God.  It is the ultimate act of love.  He also forgave the 11 before it happened because it didn't come from a place of evil, but fear.  In the end they would all turn to him in faith.  Judas was cursed because he rejected Jesus' authority.

Matthew 10:37-39, 26:36-46, Luke 9:23-27, 22:14-46, 1 Corinthians 1:18-19, & Colossians 2:11-14