Lessons from the Olive Press

 Mark 14:32-42

 "Gethsemane" = Olive grove/olive press  (east of Jerusalem, across the Valley)

Luke adds  "went there 'as usual'"    John says "often met there with disciples" - this place was very familiar to them therefore, fitting for Jesus to meet with them there.  He's being 'pressed'!

Notes from Luke
Luke 22:41 - "continued stone's throw"
Luke 22:43 = "angel appeared"
Luke 22:44  "sweat like drops of blood"
Luke 22:45  "disciples exhausted from sorrow"  (because they were being pressed also!!)

John's account - Passover, Lord's Supper  THEN Chap. 14 - 17
          includes extensive teaching  (Jesus' last words)
                       prayer for Himself
                       prayer for His disciples
                       prayer for YOU!! - John 17:20-21
Then, John 18:1

I)  "THE CUP" = that which lies before Him - ask, trial... facing humility, ridicule, accusation, betrayal, abandonment
Plus beatings, scourging, crucifixion, agonizing death.

AND .... beyond that ....THE BURDEN of OUR SINS!!! - (the biggest part of the "cup")
         1 Pet. 2:24 - fulfillment of Old Testament goats offering
         Gal. 3:13
         2 Cor. 5:21

He bore ... OUR SINS and GOD's Wrath!!!
His death = Unique among all deaths!!
NO ONE has ever suffered as He did!!  ((bearing sins of the world)

II)  THE PRAYER - Mark 14:36

(1)  Jesus didn't want to drink this cup!! 
(He = willing / He was not indifferent!!  ("whatever")

(2)  (apparently) There was no other way!!
On one hand - "with God ALL things are possible
However, THIS = God's plan, decree
WHY it had to be this way - Mystery!!  - Are not going to understand in this life!!

So... (3)  Jesus accepted God's will/plan/method!!  John 6:38

SOME OBSERVATIONS/LESSONS/APPLICATIONS....

#1)  Sometimes suffering and injustice is God's will
                   (for Christ .... for US!!)
(A)  it's OK to ask God to remove the burden  (ex.  Jesus' prayer)

BUT  (B)  when it becomes clear that it = God's will/plan...
        THEN accepting it = the right  thing to do!!  example:  Paul's thorn - 2 Cor. 12)

(2)  (for us) Spiritual willingness will always be accompanied by carnal weakness. 
We = human/ fallen!  2 Cor. 4:6-7
(problem here ... recognizing a legitimate reason for failure... without it becoming a lame excuse!!)

(3)  We are designed to seek human support.
Example:  even Jesus wanted their presence, prayers, support!!

So.... on one hand, you should feel free to seek human support...
         However, you should feel OBLIGATED to offer support as well!!!   (we need one another)

Therefore,
(4) You are responsible for your actions.... whether your friends support you or not!!
Jesus desired support of the disciples, friends... He didn't get it... He chose to do right Anyway!!
AND.... He didn't hold it against them!!!

(5)  Intense, overwhelming emotions are (sometimes) reasonable and acceptable!  (even Jesus = overwhelmed!!)
This does not mean it's OK to be a Drama Queen!"
Jesus' 'upset' was temporary  (short lived)

(6)  Intense, overwhelming emotions should not dictate our decisions.  (actions)
Jesus did NOT want ot go to the cross!!!
But... He exercised His WILL over His emotions!!

(7)  Prayer makes a difference
One one hand, we may sometimes wonder about that..!!
However, why else would Jesus ask His disciples to Pray for Him!!! - He believed it made a difference!!

Prayer Matters!!!

Closing Scripture:  1 Pet. 3:17-18