“Journey Through Gethsemane: Part I”

Matthew 26:46

When the Going Gets Tough

Introduction: The phrase, “when the going gets tough,” is a phrase that would lead one to think that a situation or a circumstance has gone bad.  In the case of Jesus and his journey through the garden, at this point, the going has gotten tougher.  Previously, Jesus had experienced some situational and emotional grips in the garden along the journey.  The purpose of the sermon today is to look at Jesus’ journey through the garden and see what we can learn from his experience.  Further, when we look at our own lives when the going gets, what are we, as believers, to do.

I.                   Judas’ Act of Betrayal (v.46-50)

·        (46) Often betrayal is the act of supporting a rival group, or it is a complete break from previously decided upon or presumed norms by one party from the others. It is a form of deception.

·        (47)One writer says, “The impudent audacity of Judas has been a marvel ever since. How could he dare to pollute the face of Christ with such a kiss? Face to face with the Savior, he did not relent nor feel the sting of conscience, as Peter did when Jesus looked upon him.”

·        (48-50) The salutation he gave him was wishing him all health, prosperity, and happiness. How hypocritical!

II.                Peter’s Act of Anger (v.51)

·        (cp. John 18:10, Peter cut off Malchus’ ear)

·        Peter wanted to fight. (Peter was looking at the physical, but our fight is a spiritual fight; a spiritual battle (cp. & read  Ephesians 6:10-18)

·        Thanks, but no thanks, my Father has my back (v.53)

III.             The Disciples’ Act of Fear (v.56b)

·        The Greek word translated "all" is emphatic. Matthew 26:56 becomes a fulfillment of verse 31: "All ye shall be offended because of me this night." The disciples fled out of fear. The Lord didn't fight back, and He wouldn't let Peter fight. Once the Lord was tied up, they became afraid. And although the Lord forced the Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders to admit that they were interested in arresting Jesus of Nazareth only, the disciples were sure they would come after them eventually. They didn't trust Jesus to deliver them, so they ran.

·        How often, many of us run from our responsibilities?

Conclusion:  What is the purpose of going through the tough stuff?  We can learn the purpose from the olive trees in the garden.  In ancient times September was also time for harvesting olives. It lasted through November. Near the orchards there was usually an olive press.  The oil was extracted in several basic steps.

1. The farmer would grab the branches of the olive tree, and tap the branches with a stick. They would then pick up the fallen olives, being careful not to bruise them. Each olive is filled with oil, in fact over half of its weight is pure oil.

2. Next the pits are removed and the olives are gently placed into the large basin, and the pressing begins by rolling the large millstone. There was a large wooden stick placed through the center of the stone, to help roll it in a circle over the olives. The oil would flow into a container and the crushed pulp into a basket. This first pressing was the purest oil and was used mainly for lamps, cosmetics and holy anointing.

3. The second pressing was for the crushed pulp. It was the actual baskets that were crushed.