Two Days and Counting, Pt 4 Easter 2022
Notes
Transcript
04 Easter 2022 – Two Days and Counting
Matthew 26 – Read it – Expound as the Spirit gives voice.
· Alabaster box – 26:1-13
· Last supper – 26:15-29
· Mt of Olives – 26:30-35
· In the Garden of Gethsemane – 26:36-46
“And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed.” —Matthew 26:39
[Spurgeon suggest] There are several instructive features in our Saviour’s prayer in his hour of trial. It was lonely prayer. He withdrew even from his three favoured disciples. Believer, be much in solitary prayer, especially in times of trial. Family prayer, social prayer, prayer in the Church, will not suffice, these are very precious, but the best beaten spice will smoke in your censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears but God’s.
It was humble prayer. Luke says he knelt, but [Matthew] says he “fell on his face.” Where, then, must be THY place, thou humble servant of the great Master? What dust and ashes should cover thy head! Humility gives us good foot-hold in prayer. There is no hope of prevalence with God unless we abase ourselves that he may exalt us in due time.
It was filial (a son’s)prayer. “Abba, Father.” You will find it a stronghold in the day of trial to plead your adoption. You have no rights as a subject, you have forfeited them by your treason; but nothing can forfeit a child’s right to a father’s protection. Be not afraid to say, “My Father, hear my cry.”
Observe that it was persevering prayer. He prayed three times. Cease not until you prevail. Be as the importunate widow, whose continual coming earned what her first supplication could not win. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.
Lastly, it was the prayer of resignation. “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Yield, and God yields. Let it be as God wills, and God will determine for the best. Be thou content to leave thy prayer in his hands, who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold. So pleading, earnestly, importunately, yet with humility and resignation, thou shalt surely prevail. (Spurgeon, 3/22)
· Kiss of betrayal – 26:47-55
· Mock Trial – 26:56-68
· Peter’s denial – 26:69-75
Let me ask, Are you offended because of Christ? V.31
· Do you stumble at His calling upon your life?
· Have you ever abandoned Him, refusing to do what He has called you to do?
· Have you ever denied Him? This is most often done through our silence, not denying the truth, just refusing to proclaim it; refusing to affirm it.
· Have you ever lost hope in Him?
· Did any of it cause you to weep bitterly like it did Peter?