The Garden of Crushing

Matthew 26:36-46

 

Thesis: Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane because He felt the crushing load of humanity’s sins.

The Place, v. 36

1. Gethsemane means “the olive press.”
2. The Lord bruised Jesus and crushed Him.
3. Fresh oil flowed, the oil of salvation for all who believe

Note:

1. Jesus was betrayed in “a place called Gethsemane.”
2. He was condemned in “a place called Gabbatha,” (John 19:3).
3. He was crucified in “a place called Golgatha,” (John 19:17).
4. He was buried in “a garden,” (John 19:41).
5. Now He has gone to “prepare a place” for us in heaven, (John 14:3).

The Company, vv. 36-37

1. Jesus and the 11 disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus left them at the entrance.
2. Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a corner of the Garden.
3. “Tarry here, and watch with Me.”
4. Jesus went to pray alone.

The Agony, v. 38

1. See Luke 22:44
2. He engaged the powers of darkness, Luke 22:53.
3. He was now bearing the iniquities of mankind.
4. He knew the sufferings to come.
5. The treachery of Judas
6. The denials of Peter
7. The malice of the Jews
8. The indignity of Roman execution

His complaint of His agony

1. He acquaint them with His agony
2.  His soul was in agony
3. Even to death

His request: Tarry here and watch

His petition, v. 39

1. The place He prayed–He had to face this agony alone
2. His posture in prayer: “He fell on His face”
3. His prayer
4. His title for God: “Oh, My Father!”
5. His request: “If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.”
6. His submission: “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”
7. The repetition of prayer, vv. 42, 44: however, this time He did not ask that the cup pass from Him.

The Rebuke, vv. 40-41

Their fault: “asleep.”

Christ’s favor

1. He came to them.
2. He rebuked them.
3. He counseled them: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.”
4. He excused them: “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
5. Though they continued dull and sleepy, He rebuked them no further.

The Trial Begins, vv. 45-46

“The hour is at hand.”

1. “The Son of Man is betrayed.”
2. “Let us be going” to face the trial.
3. Christ was prepared because He prayed.
4. The disciples were not prepared b/c they slept!