The Plot - Part 3 [Notes]

One of the lessons we can learn from the Easter story is that you can do everything right and still end up on a cross. Though Jesus never wronged anyone, he faced opposition from all those He came to save. Consider the religious and civic leaders who indicted Him, the crowd that yelled, "crucify Him," the disciples who abandoned Him, and even the criminals who hung beside Him, hurling insults. Yet, Jesus responded with remarkable love, patience, and forgiveness.

What lessons can we learn from His example? Join us as we begin a new series titled "The Plot" and look at how Jesus handled the most difficult week of His life.

Today's Takeaway // We can go the distance.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.¹
– 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (HCSB)
_{¹ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2 Ti 4:7–8). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from my deliverance and from my words of groaning?
– Psalm 22:1 (HCSB)

For dogs have surrounded me; a gang of evildoers has closed in on me; they pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people look and stare at me. They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing.
– Psalm 22:16-18 (HCSB)

Just as many were appalled at You—His appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being—so He will sprinkle many nations.
– Isaiah 52:14-15a (HCSB)

But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.
–Isaiah 53:5 (HCSB)

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, ^l and He told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow—to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with Me.” Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will. Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you ^t stay awake with Me one hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.” And He came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open.

After leaving them, He went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the time is near. The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go! See, My betrayer is near.”
– Matthew 26:36-46 (HCSB)
_{^l 26:36 A garden east of Jerusalem at the base of the Mount of Olives; Gethsemane = olive oil press
^t 26:40 = all 3 disciples because the verb in Gk is pl}

1. Jesus relied on promises from God’s Word.

For You will not abandon me to•Sheol; You will not allow Your Faithful One to see decay.
– Psalm 16:10 (HCSB)
_{• A Hebrew word for either the grave or the realm of the dead}

2. Jesus chose special people to be with Him.

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow—to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with Me.”
– Matthew 26:36-38 (HCSB)

3. Jesus had a prepared mind.

1. Jesus relied on promises from God’s Word.
2. Jesus chose special people to be with Him.
3. Jesus had a prepared mind.

Then He said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow—to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with Me.”
– Matthew 26:38 (HCSB)

Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you stay awake with Me one hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
– Matthew 26:40-41 (HCSB)

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And ⁱ after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.³
– 1 Peter 5:8-10 (HCSB)
_{ⁱ ch. 1:6
3 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Pe 5:8–10). (2016). Crossway Bibles.}

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock...
– Acts 20:28a (HCSB)

4. Jesus prayed and trusted God with the outcome.

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
– Matthew 26:36 (HCSB)

Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you stay awake with Me one hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
– Matthew 26:39-41 (HCSB)

1. Jesus relied on promises from God’s Word.
2. Jesus chose special people to be with Him.
3. Jesus had a prepared mind.
4. Jesus prayed and trusted God with the outcome.

1. Have you known of any Christians who “walked away” from their faith later in life? Why do you think it happened?
2. Have you ever been tempted to give up when it comes to your faith? What sustained you during that season of your life?
3. Read Matthew 26:36-46. What can we learn from these verses about how Jesus was able to face the greatest trial of his life head on?
4. Read 2 Timothy 4:7-8. What do you think was Paul’s secret to “finishing the race” strong? Why is it important we finish well?
5. How might you apply today’s lesson to your life?

This is Our God // Faithful Now // What a Beautiful Name // I Won't Move 

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