Rev. David Holwick * Maundy Thursday
First Baptist Church (short meditation)
Ledgewood, New Jersey
April 12, 1990
Mark 14:32-42
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I. Last Supper was a somber event.
A. Joy of Passover.
1) But Jesus knew he wouldn't be "passed over".
B. Undercurrent of emotions.
1) Disciples still misunderstood his view of Kingdom.
2) They jockeyed for power.
3) One of them was betraying him.
4) All of them would desert him.
II. Gethsemane.
A. Jesus' soul was overwhelmed. Mark 14:34
B. He was alone, but with friends nearby.
C. He prayed to God.
1) Three times.
2) The others were supposed to pray, but failed.
III. Jesus' prayer.
A. "Abba, Father..."
1) He still had close relationship and dependence on Father.
B. "All things are possible for you..."
1) His conviction that God's Kingdom will come in God's own
way.
C. "Take this cup away from me..."
1) Cup - often an image of God's wrath.
a) Temptation of Satan to bypass suffering?
1> Jesus was often tempted to take a shortcut. Jn 6:15
b) Wrath that Jesus took (for us) on the cross.
c) Could also be a general image of suffering. (Mark 10:38)
2) He is not questioning his mission.
a) He knew the cup involved his suffering. John 6:51-53
1> Similar to his hour. Mk 14:41 John 12:23,27
b) He thanked God for the cup. Mark 14:23
D. "Yet not what I will, but what you will..."
1) God's will is his final refuge.
IV. Application.
A. All of us have a will (plan) for our own lives.
1) Often involves success and is easy.
B. God's will is probably different.
1) He wants to teach us obedience, humility, and patience.
2) This often involves our suffering.
C. Jesus was perfect, yet asked for something he did not get.
1) Not wrong to ask.
2) Wrong to insist on getting your way.
D. Ultimate goodness.
1) Not our personal happiness.
2) Faithfulness to God is highest.
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