cross_agony_in

The Cross

The Agony in the Garden

Adapted from the writings of A. W. Tozer

& Oswald Chambers

A Goodsoil Discipleship Lesson - Bro. A. Madonio

Lesson Introduction

What this lesson teaches:

* This lesson illuminates the difficult flesh and spirit battles of our Lord while he was a flesh-and-blood man.

* We will look at the reasons God had to allow Jesus to go thru all that He went thru.

* We will see what it truly meant to be the "Son of Man".

Scripture references used:

* Matthew 6:33; 26:36-46, Luke 4:1-13; 22:40-44

Other scripture that may be helpful:

* Matthew 16:21; 20:18; 26:29, Mark 8:31; 10:33-34; 11:15-17; 14:27-28, Luke 9:22; 18:31-33, John 11:32-35; 12:27

Discussion questions for study:

1. Did you read this lesson in preparation for this week's discussion?

2. There are many opinions on what "agony" Jesus felt in Gesthemane. Was it only a fear of physical pain, or was there more? Loneliness? Rejection? Souls that would go to Hell?

3. Do you feel a greater love for your Savior knowing that this task God gave Him was so difficult? Knowing how much He loved us?

4. Can you see why Jesus knows what it's like when you face battles, and why He can bring you thru anything?

5. Can you better appreciate Him as the supreme Creator AND as your BEST FRIEND?!?! Thank Him for the agony He suffered so that Heaven is possible for you.

Scriptures that you found to be helpful:

Answers from lesson in order of appearance: VARIED, YES/NO, YES/NO, YES/NO, YES/NO, NO, VARIED, SPIRITUAL REALM, IN THE WILDERNESS AFTER JESUS BAPTISM, IN GETHSEMANE, VERY DIFFICULT, VARIED, JESUS CLEARING THE TEMPLE, AT LAZARUS' TOMB, YES/NO, VARIED, YES/NO, YES/NO, EVERYONE!

Carefully read the following acacounts of Jesus' night in the Garden of Gesthemane.

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." {37} He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. {38} Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." {39} Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." {40} Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. {41} "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." {42} He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." {43} When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. {44} So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. {45} Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. {46} Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" Matthew 26:36-46

On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." {41} He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, {42} "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." {43} An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. {44} And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:40-44

What agony do you think Jesus was facing in the Garden of Gethsemane?

PHYSICAL AGONY?: Do you think Jesus was "in anguish" because He feared death on the Cross? . Do you think He knew, before the event occurred, that crucifixion was in store for Him? .

Jesus stated a number of times that He came to earth as a man for the purpose of giving His life. Matthew 16:21, 20:18, 26:29, Mark 8:31, 10:33-34, 14:27-28, Luke 9:22, 18:31-33, John 12:27.

ANOTHER KIND OF AGONY?: Yes, He faced more than physical pain on the Cross, but what was it that caused Him to be "in anguish" so as to sweat like "drops of blood"?

Before we answer, we need to ask some questions first . . . . . . .

Think about this; if God wanted to hang on the Cross as a "sacrifice" for man's sins, could He (not would He) make it easy and painless? . Could He have just "done it" because it was a requirement? .

If God is perfectly fair and just, could He or would He do any of the things we just listed above? . Why? .

OK then, what fear did Jesus have (regarding the Cross) that He so humanly displayed in the Garden of Gethsemane? (Just think about your answer.) If Jesus -- GOD! -- had to die IN YOUR PLACE, what could possibly give Him fear? WHAT CAUSED JESUS SUCH AGONY?

Could it be that Jesus feared the ordeal

would be too difficult to get thru as . . . .

THE SON OF MAN?

Let's discuss this thought: Jesus was/is the SON OF GOD. Therefore to go thru the crucifixion as the Son of God was automatic - it couldn't be helped. BUT, if Jesus, the only sinless flesh & blood human ever, didn't go thru as the SON OF MAN, He couldn't have been our Savior!!

THE AGONY HE FACED WAS SPIRITUAL IN NATURE !!

If physical agonies have their source in the physical realm, where do you think spiritual agonies come from? . That's right, they come from the spiritual realm - from Satan & Co.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN: Where in the Bible did the "human" Jesus and the "spirit" Satan first meet? .

Let's read Luke's account of this meeting in Luke 4:1-13.

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, {2} where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. {3} The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." {4} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.' " {5} The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. {6} And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. {7} So if you worship me, it will all be yours." {8} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' " {9} The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. {10} For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; {11} they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' " {12} Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " {13} When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Now, keeping this initial meeting of human Jesus and spirit Satan in mind, let's go back and read Luke's version of Jesus praying in Gethsemane just prior to His betrayal at the hand of Judas.

On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." {41} He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, {42} "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." {43} An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. {44} And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:40-44

After Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Luke states that, "When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time." Where might Jesus and Satan have met again - where might Satan have found an "opportune time" ? .

It would appear that an "opportune time" was in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Satan would one final time, face-to-face, meet our Lord in spiritual combat. How difficult do you think it was for Jesus - this tempting by Satan? . Why?

The Gospel account gives us some clues as to how difficult it was for Jesus in Gethsemane. Matthew and Mark both record the fact that Jesus was "sorrowful ", "distressed ", and "troubled ". (Can you think of any other occasions in Jesus ministry in which Jesus showed so much emotion? Mark 11:15-17 , John 11:32-35 .)

* Jesus Himself said, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death."

* Jesus asked those who were with Him to "Stay here and keep watch with Me," and "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." The Creator of the universe was seeking help from His prayer partners. This is very important for us to take note of - the power and importance of prayer.

* Jesus asked His Heavenly Father, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me . . ." Do you know what Jesus meant by this? . Explain:

* Finally, Jesus' fight was so monumental - battling the tempting attack to be the Son of God ONLY and NOT the SON OF MAN; that the Bible says His sweat was "like drops of blood falling to the ground."

In anticipation of the ordeal (physical & spiritual) of the Cross, Jesus never suffered so in His Spirit! Have you ever faced battles in your life that you didn't think you could survive? .

Can you see what agony Jesus went thru on the Cross as the Son of man to allow you, in your own personal agony, to seek Him and His strength? .

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,

and all these things (such as answers to your life's difficulties)

will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

The agony Jesus went thru before and during His crucifixion is the only real basis for our SALVATION! His work of redemption on the Cross is a TRIUMPH for the SON OF MAN that provides a means to save who? .

Because Jesus, the Son of man, suffered and paid for your sinfulness and selfishness, you now have a promise from God that you can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Let's pray !

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	The Cross The Agony in the Garden Adapted from the writings of A. W. Tozer & Oswald Chambers A Goodsoil Discipleship Lesson - Bro. A. Madonio




Lesson Introduction What this lesson teaches: * This lesson illuminates the difficult flesh and spirit battles of our Lord while he was a flesh-and-blood man. * We will look at the reasons God had to allow Jesus to go thru all that He went thru. * We will see what it truly meant to be the "Son of Man". Scripture references used: * Matthew 6:33; 26:36-46, Luke 4:1-13; 22:40-44 Other scripture that may be helpful: * Matthew 16:21; 20:18; 26:29, Mark 8:31; 10:33-34; 11:15-17; 14:27-28, Luke 9:22; 18:31-33, John 11:32-35; 12:27 Discussion questions for study: 1. Did you read this lesson in preparation for this week's discussion? 2. There are many opinions on what "agony" Jesus felt in Gesthemane. Was it only a fear of physical pain, or was there more? Loneliness? Rejection? Souls that would go to Hell? 3. Do you feel a greater love for your Savior knowing that this task God gave Him was so difficult? Knowing how much He loved us? 4. Can you see why Jesus knows what it's like when you face battles, and why He can bring you thru anything? 5. Can you better appreciate Him as the supreme Creator AND as your BEST FRIEND?!?! Thank Him for the agony He suffered so that Heaven is possible for you. Scriptures that you found to be helpful: Answers from lesson in order of appearance: VARIED, YES/NO, YES/NO, YES/NO, YES/NO, NO, VARIED, SPIRITUAL REALM, IN THE WILDERNESS AFTER JESUS BAPTISM, IN GETHSEMANE, VERY DIFFICULT, VARIED, JESUS CLEARING THE TEMPLE, AT LAZARUS' TOMB, YES/NO, VARIED, YES/NO, YES/NO, EVERYONE!



Carefully read the following acacounts of Jesus' night in the Garden of Gesthemane. Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." {37} He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. {38} Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." {39} Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." {40} Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. {41} "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." {42} He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." {43} When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. {44} So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. {45} Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. {46} Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" Matthew 26:36-46 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." {41} He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, {42} "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." {43} An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. {44} And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:40-44 What agony do you think Jesus was facing in the Garden of Gethsemane? PHYSICAL AGONY?: Do you think Jesus was "in anguish" because He feared death on the Cross? . Do you think He knew, before the event occurred, that crucifixion was in store for Him? . Jesus stated a number of times that He came to earth as a man for the purpose of giving His life. Matthew 16:21, 20:18, 26:29, Mark 8:31, 10:33-34, 14:27-28, Luke 9:22, 18:31-33, John 12:27. ANOTHER KIND OF AGONY?: Yes, He faced more than physical pain on the Cross, but what was it that caused Him to be "in anguish" so as to sweat like "drops of blood"? Before we answer, we need to ask some questions first . . . . . . . Think about this; if God wanted to hang on the Cross as a "sacrifice" for man's sins, could He (not would He) make it easy and painless? . Could He have just "done it" because it was a requirement? . If God is perfectly fair and just, could He or would He do any of the things we just listed above? . Why? . OK then, what fear did Jesus have (regarding the Cross) that He so humanly displayed in the Garden of Gethsemane? (Just think about your answer.) If Jesus -- GOD! -- had to die IN YOUR PLACE, what could possibly give Him fear? WHAT CAUSED JESUS SUCH AGONY? Could it be that Jesus feared the ordeal would be too difficult to get thru as . . . . THE SON OF MAN? Let's discuss this thought: Jesus was/is the SON OF GOD. Therefore to go thru the crucifixion as the Son of God was automatic - it couldn't be helped. BUT, if Jesus, the only sinless flesh & blood human ever, didn't go thru as the SON OF MAN, He couldn't have been our Savior!! THE AGONY HE FACED WAS SPIRITUAL IN NATURE !! If physical agonies have their source in the physical realm, where do you think spiritual agonies come from? . That's right, they come from the spiritual realm - from Satan & Co. HOW IT ALL BEGAN: Where in the Bible did the "human" Jesus and the "spirit" Satan first meet? . Let's read Luke's account of this meeting in Luke 4:1-13. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, {2} where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. {3} The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." {4} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.' " {5} The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. {6} And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. {7} So if you worship me, it will all be yours." {8} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' " {9} The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. {10} For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; {11} they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' " {12} Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " {13} When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Now, keeping this initial meeting of human Jesus and spirit Satan in mind, let's go back and read Luke's version of Jesus praying in Gethsemane just prior to His betrayal at the hand of Judas. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." {41} He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, {42} "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." {43} An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. {44} And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:40-44 After Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Luke states that, "When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time." Where might Jesus and Satan have met again - where might Satan have found an "opportune time" ? . It would appear that an "opportune time" was in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Satan would one final time, face-to-face, meet our Lord in spiritual combat. How difficult do you think it was for Jesus - this tempting by Satan? . Why? . The Gospel account gives us some clues as to how difficult it was for Jesus in Gethsemane. Matthew and Mark both record the fact that Jesus was "sorrowful ", "distressed ", and "troubled ". (Can you think of any other occasions in Jesus ministry in which Jesus showed so much emotion? Mark 11:15-17 , John 11:32-35 .) * Jesus Himself said, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." * Jesus asked those who were with Him to "Stay here and keep watch with Me," and "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." The Creator of the universe was seeking help from His prayer partners. This is very important for us to take note of - the power and importance of prayer. * Jesus asked His Heavenly Father, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me . . ." Do you know what Jesus meant by this? . Explain: . * Finally, Jesus' fight was so monumental - battling the tempting attack to be the Son of God ONLY and NOT the SON OF MAN; that the Bible says His sweat was "like drops of blood falling to the ground." In anticipation of the ordeal (physical & spiritual) of the Cross, Jesus never suffered so in His Spirit! Have you ever faced battles in your life that you didn't think you could survive? . Can you see what agony Jesus went thru on the Cross as the Son of man to allow you, in your own personal agony, to seek Him and His strength? . But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (such as answers to your life's difficulties) will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 The agony Jesus went thru before and during His crucifixion is the only real basis for our SALVATION! His work of redemption on the Cross is a TRIUMPH for the SON OF MAN that provides a means to save who? . Because Jesus, the Son of man, suffered and paid for your sinfulness and selfishness, you now have a promise from God that you can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16 Let's pray !

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