Garden of Gethsemane
Through His death on the cross, Jesus purchased the salvation of mankind, but He won the victory as He prayed alone in a garden the night before.
In Matthew 26:39, we read:
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
When Jesus is being arrested just moments later in the garden, John 18:11 records:
Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
As He prayed with His friends asleep around Him, Jesus wrestled with the cost of saving mankind. It was in this place our Lord won the victory over the cross before one nail was driven into His body.
Just as Jesus gained victory over the cross through His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, God invites us to this lifestyle of overcoming faith. We can walk in victory before we step up to fight the battle — but, there is an essential key we must see in John 18.
When He had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. (John 18:1-2)
Jesus was not a stranger to the Garden, nor was He a stranger to prayer.
It is difficult for us to approach God with faith and confidence when we feel like foreigners to prayer. We will not know how to approach God for help if we are not familiar with approaching Him as a friend.
I encourage you to meet with God in your garden today; you will be glad you did tomorrow!
Podcast
Click here to listen to yesterday’s mountaintop message “Winning Before You Fight.”
Links
A special “Thanks” to Peter Lopez for the picture of the Garden of Gethsemane. For more beautiful photos of the Mount of Olives and Israel check out Peter’s Picasa photo album.
I know Sunday’s message made you hungry. Click here for the McDonald’s menu so you can be ready next time you pull up to the drive through!
On the Radar
Open House TONIGHT at the von Atzigen’s! We would love to have you as a guest in our home tonight, from 7:00 pm till whenever. You can find us at 1911 Hoyt Street–it’s the cute white house on the corner with the big backyard full of people!
Family Connection
Parents, be sure to check out the Worldchangers website. We align our Bible curriculum from the nursery all the way up to our youth. Access the Family Connection page on the website to bring your children’s Bible lesson home to the kitchen table.
We also have all the info you need about RAMP, our ministry to youth in Sweetwater High School and Middle School and surrounding campuses, as well, at www.efcyouth.com.
You Heard it at EFC
Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang? Here is our worship list from yesterday, for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself. You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.
- 1. “Sing to the King”
- 2. “I Have Found” Jenn Johnson version
- 3. “Dwelling Places”
- 4. “Saviour King” by Hillsong
Sunday Preview
Next Sunday, July 4, we will celebrate Independence Day together and climb down from the mountain tops as we head into the valley portion of our “Mountains and Valleys” sermon series.
