I think the most heartbreaking part of the past months of dealing with the covid-19, pandemic, has been all the people who have died, (not necessary Covid) in hospitals alone. Maybe you have seen the heartbreaking images of families outside hospitals or care facilities looking in the widows. During the beginning of the pandemic Janet’s brother was our first experience with this. He was admitted to the hospital with covid-19 and died a few days later. No one was able to visit him.
There are some things in life we not have to experience ALONE.
Mark 14:32-41 NKJV, Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” 35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
This is the most human that you ever see Jesus.
Jesus is facing torture and death. He is doing it willingly for the salvation of the world. How does he face it?
1. He took friends with him.
Mark 14:33, He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.
John 15:14-15 MSB, “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.
Jesus wanted them there with him. These three men. Because, life is about relationships.
THOUGHT: You don’t want to be in the Garden of life ALONE!
2. A Believer is a Belonger
1 John 1:7a, “If we live in the light-just as he is in the light- then we have fellowship with one another.”
He was transparent and honest with them.
Mark 14:34, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.
Romans 1:12 NCV, “I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.”
Can’t help others if we don’t connect with others.
3. We are challenged in Committed Community.
Jesus came and woke them up and challenged them.
37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
We need some who can challenge us. Wake us up! Tell us the truth.
Ephesians 4:25 NLT, “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all part of the same body.”
4. Walking together is God’s answer to Life-long Victory.
You can’t become until you belong.
Proverbs 17:17 MSG, “Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kids of trouble.”
5. Making walking together a Priority.
Galatians 6:10 NCV, “Give special attention those who are in the family of believers.”
Whatever you pay attention to is going to grow.
We must learn from this Coved-19 experience that we need Community. Committed relationships.
Who is your Peter, James and John?
Blessings,
Larry
Comments