Matthew 26: 36-39, 42

As we enter the season that we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Pastor George highlighted the mental and emotional anguish that Jesus experienced prior to gaining victory over death, hell and the grave.  Pastor Dix reminded us that Jesus was a mortal man on a divine mission; who was 100 percent man (as you and I are today) yet 100 percent God!

Jesus identifies with our emotions, whether they are feelings of anger, hurt, or disappointment.  And although Jesus knew His fate, nothing could prepare Him for the spiritual separation from His Father as He faced death. He knew that the cup mentioned in Matthew 26: 39, 42 was a cup filled with agony, suffering and spiritual separation. This separation was the ultimate storm in Jesus’ life.  Even though, he performed many miracles (healed the sick, made the blind see, cast out devils and raised the dead), He had to perform one last major miracle for the sake of saving humanity.  

When Jesus took Peter, James and John with him to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray (Matthew 26:36) and they were found sleeping twice, Jesus was quite disappointed; however, it didn’t keep him from stealing away and praying on His face before the storm.  The key verse in Jesus’ prayer prior to experiencing separatio from God and being crucified and was: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26:39).  

Quote of the sermon:

“We need to pray before the storm.” - Pastor George Dix Jr.

Scripture References:

Sunday, April 1st, 2007

• Psalm 34:1-3 - Prayer & Scripture (Pastor Eugene Phillips)
• Matthew 26: 36-39, 42 - "Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder ..."