Scripture:
Luke 22:39-46 ESV
[39] And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. [40] And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” [41] And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw and knelt down and prayed, [42] saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” [43] And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. [44] And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. [45] And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, [46] and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Observation:
I believe this scripture was chosen to highlight the emotions of Jesus shortly before HE went to the cross. first, what I took notice of is that it was HIS common practice to go off and pray. He had a specific spot that HE liked to do called the mountain of olives. I’m sure all of HIS disciples knew that it was prayer time when HE would head that way and follow without question. Knowing what was about to happen HIS instructions to HIS disciples were to stop here and pray that you will not be tempted. In my mind, this raises a question. Tempted with what? Separating HIMSELF a little further, HE started to pray HIMSELF. What HE was about to experience was going to be difficult, and HE knew it. He was in a battle with HIS flesh. What HE wanted to do and what HE had to do were two totally different things. Putting GOD in charge of the decision through prayer was the only answer. Father, if there is any other way… take this cup from me. However, not my will, but yours be done. This decision was so hard and so intense that Jesus was sweating drops of blood. HIS life was going to end… on this side of eternity. Can I mention that HE could have said at any time it’s just not worth it? I’m done. I just can’t do it. My emotions are so out of wack that I’m sweating blood. But HE didn’t…and why? Because you are to die for. HIS agony was so intense that the Father saw fit to send an angel to give HIM strength. HIS prayers became even more pronounced and had more passion after that. When HE rose up to see what HIS disciples were doing, HE found them asleep. Too tired to pray, they knew something was about to happen, and we were filled with sorrow that exhausted them. Giving them the same warning as before HIS instructions were, pray… because temptation is coming and you don’t want to fall to it.
Application:
I could go so many different ways with this scripture. It honestly seems inexhaustible. The fact that Jesus Christ made the decision to die for you is one of the obvious points. But let’s look at the temptation that the disciples missed and honestly fell to if we were paying attention. As Jesus was battling with his emotions, they were falling asleep due to theirs. The scripture says HE found them sleeping for sorrow. My question is, how often do you allow your emotions to make your decision for you. Therefore, taking away all sound minds and good judgments? If you’re anything like me. It’s more often than you would like to admit. I feel like I need to tell you that our emotions will mislead us, and it’s just not a good way to make decisions. They change so rapidly, and when we make life-altering choices based on temporary emotions. We will find ourselves with regrets. Believe me, I know. If it were not for what Jesus did on the cross and from the tomb, my life would be full of regrets. HE submitted to the Father by giving HIS life. Giving us an example of how to lay down our emotions that are so closely tied to our flesh and show us how to submit to the Spirit. Anyone who has been around me for any length of time knows what is coming next, and honestly, you can see it in this scripture. The flesh wants what feels good. The spirit wants what is good. That’s the battle we just witnessed Jesus overcome, and the disciples fall to. The enemy likes to exploit our emotional state. He knows if he can get us to react without sound judgment and careful consideration. Our minds will not be sober when making decisions. Yes, emotions are indeed intoxicating. Let me prove my point here… Have you ever said something out of anger that you would have never said had you waited to calm down? To be completely honest, I have. Have you ever done something that after thinking about you thought man that was stupid because someone disappointed you. Again, if I’m honest, I would have to say yes. Or here is a good one… saying something you don’t even remember saying out of anger. Wow, emotions are intoxicating. My point to all this is that we can’t allow a temporary emotion to make life-altering choices for of. Our best battle is fought on our knees. Our common practice should be taken everything to the LORD and submitting it to HIM, allowing HIM to lead and not our emotions.
Prayer:
Father, we stand here this morning knowing that as your sheep, we need to be led. You are our Shepard. So we ask that you would do so. Help us to see that your decisions are better than ours. Not by allowing us to make bad ones but by helping us to bring everything to you in prayer. This morning, we lift up all those who are struggling with hard decisions and pray that you would lead them to the answer that is found in your word. The book has all the answers. Basic instructions before leaving earth B.I.B.L.E. Father, thank you for your word and the power that is Jesus christ that we find within its pages. It’s in HIS mighty name. I pray amen