Mar. 10, 2024

Sermon: Our Savior in the Garden

The Sermon begins at 18:00 min in video.  The music "Wonderful Merciful Savior", "My Jesus", "Behold Our God", "King of Kings", and "Jesus Messiah"  are licensed under CCLI Copyright #2723035 and Streaming Media #22024223 Licenses.

Matthew 26:36-46, John 18:1-11, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 21

Summary:

     Pastor Dave delivers a compelling message on the dual nature of Jesus Christ, both human and divine, as showcased during the poignant moments before His crucifixion. He concentrates on the profound implications of Jesus' willing sacrifice for the redemption of humanity within the Christian faith. This act of ultimate obedience reveals Jesus choosing God's will over His own, taking upon Himself the 'cup of wrath'—a powerful metaphor signifying divine judgment and suffering—so His followers would be spared from it. Instead, they are presented with the 'cup of blessing,' a representation of salvation and God's goodwill.

     To provide a deeper understanding, Pastor Dave delves into two pivotal Biblical narratives: the intense anguish Jesus confronts in the Garden of Gethsemane and the subsequent events of His arrest. Here, Jesus grapples with His impending suffering, yet willingly submits to it, fully embracing the 'cup of wrath.' It is this very submission and willingness that underscore His humanity—feeling profound sorrow—while His obedience showcases His divinity.

     The crux of Pastor Dave's invitation to his listeners is to fully grasp the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice—acknowledging it as a pathway to their own salvation. By accepting the 'cup of blessing,' believers can enter into a state of grace, effectively delivered from the repercussions of judgment that Jesus Himself bore. The message is direct and powerful: embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, and you will be transformed from recipients of wrath to bearers of blessing.

Key Points:

1. Jesus displays both His humanity and divinity during His time in the Garden of Gethsemane.

2. He prays for the 'cup'—a metaphor encompassing the suffering, sorrow, and God's wrath for sin—to pass from Him if possible, yet surrenders to God's will.

3. The sermon suggests Jesus’ 'cup' also includes God’s judgment and wrath, which He takes upon Himself.

4. The religious significance of Jesus choosing to drink the cup of God's wrath signifies that believers are spared from it and instead offered the cup of blessing—salvation.

5. The sermon connects this event with the broader Christian narrative of redemption, salvation, and ultimate deliverance from divine judgment.

6. Jesus' actions exemplify His authority and control even during His arrest, as well as His compassion shown by healing Malchus.

7. Communion is presented as a means for believers to remember and participate in the benefits of Jesus' sacrifice.

Action Items:

1. For believers: Participate in communion as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice.

2. For non-believers: Consider the message of the sermon and be open to discussing faith and salvation with the pastor or a church member.

3. Reflect on the concept of Jesus' humanity in experiencing sorrow and distress, and His divine obedience to God's will.

4. Explore personal convictions about the notion of salvation from God's wrath through Jesus’ sacrifice.

5. Identify ways in individual lives where surrendering to God's will can be practiced, imitating Jesus' example.

6. Share the message of the sermon with others who may benefit from its themes of hope, salvation, and redemption.

7. Regularly read and study the biblical accounts of Jesus’ last week to deepen understanding and commitment to the Christian faith.

Sermon Notes:

Our Savior in the Garden

Matthew 26:36-46, John 18:1-11, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 21

Jesus in Prayer:

   Oh My Father:

   This Cup: Psalm 75:6-8, Revelation 14:9-10, 17-20, 16:19

   Your Will be done

The Sorrowing and Slumbering Disciples: Luke 22:45

I am He: