Village Church Annandale (Sydney) sermons

We look at one of the most important chapters of the Old Testament. Daniel's great dream. We answer the question about whether we should be optimistic or pessimistic about the future.

From the start this trial was unfair.

Mark 14:53 They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes assembled.  54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the high priest’s courtyard. He was sitting with the servants, warming himself by the fire. 55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. 56 For many were giving false testimony against him, and the testimonies did not agree.

Having resolved to submit to his Father, Jesus is resolute, when the betrayer Jesus arrives, Jesus’ fulfils scripture and agrees to be taken into custody. 

We see the disciples failure of resolve as they all flee. We are challenged to reflect on our own failures to stand with our Lord and Saviour.

Mark14:43 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. With him was a mob, with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44 His betrayer had given them a signal. “The one I kiss,” he said, “he’s the one; arrest him and take him away under guard.” 45 So when he came, immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 They took hold of him and arrested him. 47 One of those who stood by drew his sword, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear. 48 Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? 49 Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then they all deserted him and ran away. 51 Now a certain young man, wearing nothing but a linen cloth, was following him. They caught hold of him, 52 but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.

Just as a man's rebellion in a garden introduced the reign of death to humanity (I am talking Genesis 3 and the sin of Adam) so the submission of a man in a different garden (this time the garden of Gethsemane) reverses that patten of rebellion and sets in motion a series of events that will defeat death. 

Mark14:41 Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”

Peter James and John can’t stay awake.  Three times Jesus asks his closet three friends to pray that they would not fall into temptation.  And three times they fail.  

There’s a clear lesson for us, if we rely on our own strength, then like them we will fail.

However, the Spirit, the Holy Spirit is willing.  We need to rely on God, but handing things over to him in prayer. 

Mark14:37 Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? 38 Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Once again he went away and prayed, saying the same thing. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”

If you want to know what Christian submission looks like. Then look at Jesus. Jesus is of equal status with his father. Both Jesus and the father are fully god. 

And yet Jesus here voluntarily says more than what, I want I want to do what you want. I trust in your decision. 

Mark14:35 He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.”