MARK 14:27-52 GETHSEMANE The journey from the upper room where important teaching was given, to the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane, must have given the disciples much to think about. When they arrived there the Lord quoted part of a scripture from the prophecy of Zechariah and applied it to Himself and them. Even in view of the cross just before Him and the suffering that would take place there, the Lord assured them of the fact of His resurrection. The smiting of the Shepherd was not a reference to the results of the envy and schemes of men who plotted against Him. The Holy, Righteous God was going to charge the Shepherd in the dark hour of the cross-death when He would lay on Him the iniquity of us all. But that hour of suffering was followed by a declared finished work and victory over sin, the devil and death itself.
In the prayer of the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane, there was not a desire on His part to avoid the task that lay before Him. In affirming the will of His Father, He was already fully aware of the cost He must pay to provide eternal redemption for us. The "cup" had to do with the awareness that this was something He had to do alone. There was no one else who could assist Him in this task. He alone would bear the sin of the world. He alone would experience the excruciating pain of physical suffering as a human being and the even deeper pain of a perfect holy soul being made an offering for the sin of others. His communion with the Father in prayer was an honest expression of what was in His heart. That is when prayer really becomes a significant exercise of a supplicant. We are able to express in words our doubts, our fears, our questions in an open and honest way, and still be in perfect communion with our Father. It really is not appropriate to say to God in words what we do not mean in our heart. In the prayer of the Lord in Gethsemane there was full cooperation with the will of His Father. He surrendered His will to His Father's will. This is essential in any prayer we make. In our hearts when we are in genuine prayer, there is communion and cooperation with God that affects our will and our words. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto Thee my God."
The bold claims of the sheep were basically human resolve to be faithful to the Lord. Sometimes we make claims of faith and loyalty without realizing what that might mean. Will I have to leave the comforts of everything I have? Am I willing, truly willing, to lose everything for the glory of God and the furtherance of is kingdom? Would i be willing to start completely over at my age and go forth in faith alone? We really don't know how vulnerable we are to temptations and challenges until we are actually in them. We have a tendency to sleepy indifference rather than the charge to "watch and pray." It is important for us as His people, as "the sheep of His pasture," to maintain vigilance at all times. We will be tempted by the world, the flesh and the devil. Our charge is to watch for anything that will endanger the carrying out of the mandate we have been given. The attitude of prayer indicates our acknowledging our need of God in every situation. To find fellowship with other believers is a great safe-guard when tempted. Our thoughts and lives need to be focused on God in order to rise above anything that would beset us.
Evidence of sheep being scattered or seeming to be scattered is a sense of false security. "Everything is fine. Don't panic and don't worry." Also, there may be a physical dullness that seems like boredom along with spiritual weakness and indifference. Some have zeal without knowledge and bravely make claims of courage. That soon gives way to fear that causes one to flee from the challenges that come with faith. These are never far away from any of us. How kind was the Lord to speak of them about, and prepare them for, denial and failure. Promised victory comes after the trial of faith. The teaching of the Word of God in our gatherings as an assembly of God's people, the private counsel of spiritual people, can prepare us in advance of the opposition that is to be expected by anyone who is willing to "live godly in Christ Jesus."
In the darkness of the night, they move toward the mountain - Not fully aware of the importance of that moment. The lofty teaching, they had just been given, was more than they could contain - And on its impact, they could not make a comment. Further as they climbed that rise, He quoted another scripture They knew was given as a warning unto them. The Shepherd and His flock were the word picture - He, the Shepherd - the sheep were these very men.
Bravado and boldness may have a place - But they are not to be a reason for pride. It is possible for a person to put on a strong face - And all the while, have inward fears we hide. To be afraid is not a sin, but to act in the flesh is. Because the flesh can in no way please God - Our only recourse when tempted is the strength which is His - And by it overcome the flesh, the devil and the world.
To go to far into the Garden of Gethsemane Is to walk on ground too holy for us. The interaction of the Father and Son we can never see. There are times to remember we are but dust. Yet we know something of what prayer can do - And the results earnest prayer can bring. God has promised to take us through To His promise we can always safely cling.
To a certain extent we have been allowed to share In what God is doing today. Not that with His will our prayers and work compare - But in His flesh, He traveled this same way. Never once did He dishonor or deny The Father or the work He was sent to complete. May we who are disciples, in faith earnestly apply Ourselves to our calling so we may place honors at His feet.
"I will never know the experience Father, that You and the Lord Jesus had in that garden. But I thank Thee in the times when all seemed dark, in Thy mercy and grace, Thou didst bring me through in victory. I will praise Thee for this example of His obedience to Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."