Having Struggles

N.T.#287 "Having Struggles"

April 17, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 10

LET IT GLOW 

I tend to think God prepares us for trials and troubles ahead. It is when we fall to our knees begging for help through it that He comes through. Jesus knew what was ahead for Him to face. Yet, the Savior had struggles with it, like we do. Comforting, huh?

So we have viewed the plot to kill King Jesus, Mary's anointing, Judas' betrayal plot, the Passover with he disciples, prophecy of Peter's denial, Jesus' agony in the Garden. Coming up in this chapter is Jesus' arrest, His trial before the Sanhedrin, and Peter's denial, Judas' suicide. Thank you for staying with us as we study the events in the last days of Jesus' life on earth and ministry.

Previously, we read about the agony of Jesus at the Mt. of Olives in Gethsemane (which means oil press). This place contained a grove and cluster of olive trees. There may have been a press, a dwelling-house, or at least the usual garden-tower at the foot of the Mount of Olives. It would not have been a well-known place, so the disciples and their Teach Master could have private time from the authorities. If guards were there to protect the property from intruders, Jesus and His disciples would have been welcomed at the gate. Here was where heaven and earth, deity and humanity, locked horns, and the very human will of the God-man submitted unconditionally to the divine will. 

After separating Peter, James, and John from the rest of the disciples, Jesus took them to a corner of the olive grove to pray. This was no quiet prayer meeting with close friends. 

How does Matthew describe the anguish of Jesus?

• grieved and distressed, (verse 37)
• burdened to the point of death, (verse 38)
• fell on His face, pleading with His Father, (verse 39)
• wrestling, struggling, coming to terms with the torturous suffering in mind, emotion, body, and soul that was about to occur the following day. 
• Jesus sweat fell to the ground like drops of blood. (Luke 22:44)
• Three times the Savior cast Himself upon the mercy of God. (verses 39, 42, 44) (Swindoll)

What a struggle! Don't we tend to focus on the pain of the cross instead of the struggle Jesus had beforehand? Jesus was willing to face the agony on the cross as He surrendered unconditionally to the good and perfect plan of God the Father. 

Not as I will, but as You will...Your will be done. (verses 39, 42)

LET IT GROW

As if that wasn't enough to bear, Jesus' three friends fell asleep while Jesus was praying. They were told to be on watch and pray, but didn't last one hour at the task. Three times Jesus found the guys asleep. He reprimanded them for it, then finally the Savior tld them to take rest. 

Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (verse 45)

The interruption of the soldiers caused Jesus, in verse 46, to say, Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray Me. 

What keeps staying in the back of my mind is Jesus knew what was planned, what was going to take place, and He was willing to go through it. Such love!

Through the struggles, Jesus still remained faithful to God and His plan-sinless. So Jesus can help us through our struggles.

LET IT GO

Your will, 

Your way, today, 

I pray. 

Use us for Your glory, Your servants, Jesus.

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus!

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!