Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46, Matthew 26:57-75

Tags: Love, Sacrifice, Crucifixion, The Cross

Summary: The sorrow, struggle and submission of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Brethren, on the past Easter Sunday like today, I have preached on many title which include He is Risen but today by the special grace of God, I want to talk to about The Sacrifice of Jesus.

May the Sacrifice of Jesus never goes in vain in our life in Jesus name.

THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS

For most part of the Gospel accounts, we see the charming side of Jesus – His power to heal the sick; His compassion for the weak and poor; the authority He has when He preached the Word of God. We don’t often see Jesus struggling in sorrow.

Today, we’re looking at another side of Jesus. At the Garden of Gethsemane.

(1) We see JESUS IN SORROW

At this point, the Bible says “He began to be sorrowful and troubled.” (v.37). And He said to His 3 disciples – Peter, James and John – “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”

We’re not used to seeing this side of Jesus. He was so sorrowful that He asked the disciples to “Stay here and keep watch with Me.” (v.38). Stay with Me and pray with Me.

Why was Jesus so distressed? Because He understood what was about to happen to Him. It was really a sad night for Jesus:

• Earlier on, while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will BETRAY me…” (26:21). One of the 12, who have been with Him for 3 years, would deliberately turn his back on Him and betray Him for money.
• And then when they went out to the Mount of Olives, Jesus said to his disciples, “This very night you will all fall away…” (26:31). In order words, “ALL of you will ABANDON me…” Jesus knew they would turn and run – all of them, fearing for their own lives and leaving Jesus to face death on His own. All of them – after 3 years of living & working together with Jesus.

It was extremely sad for Jesus, not simply because His disciples failed Him but that He knows what is before Him. Just two days ago (26:1-2) Jesus said to his disciples, 2″As you know, the Passover is two days away – and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” Not only did Jesus know He was going to die, He knew HOW He would be dying – by crucifixion, which was the cruelest, most torturous way for a person to die.

Death by Crucifixion was designed to produce the greatest degree of SHAME, and to inflict the maximum amount of PAIN, for the longest possible period of TIME. Jesus knew what was about to happen.

No wonder He “fell with His face to the ground and prayed…” (v.39). According to Luke, Jesus was in such an anguish that “his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Lk 22:44).