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Finding A Place For Solitude & Reflection

…. In The Quietness Of Gethsemane. Finding A Place For Solitude & Reflection. The Biblical Gethsemane A garden on the ascent of the Mt. of Olives Lk 22:39 Mt 26:30, 36 Mk 14:26, 32 E of Jerusalem across Kidron Valley Jn 18:1a

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Finding A Place For Solitude & Reflection

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  1. …

  2. In The Quietness Of Gethsemane Finding A Place For Solitude & Reflection

  3. The Biblical Gethsemane • A garden on the ascent of the Mt. of Olives Lk 22:39 Mt 26:30, 36 Mk 14:26, 32 • E of Jerusalem across Kidron Valley Jn 18:1a • Its mostnotable use Ù Thursday night before Jesus’ crucifixion • At evening Mk 14:17, 27 • A “favorite” place of Jesus Jn 18:1b-2

  4. The Biblical Gethsemane • We can only imagine the solitude Jesus felt when He came here • Peace and quiet • Meditate, reflect, pray, commune with God • That night, His quiet was invaded by lights, the clanging of swords, and the marching steps of soldiers Jn 18:3

  5. Our “Gethsemane” • We are encouraged to also find a “quiet” place to commune with God Mt 6:6 • Such a place shuts out the world’s noise, clamor • Everything else vying for our attention is absent • We very well may share Jesus’ experiences in our “Gethsemane”

  6. Our “Gethsemane” • In “Gethsemane” there is… • …distress in disappointment • Jesus was disappointed that night when – • 3 slept when He needed them Mt 26:40-41 • Judas chose the enemy Jn 18:3 Lk 22:48 • Peter chose the carnal Jn 18:10-11 • All the apostles fled Mk 14:50

  7. Our “Gethsemane” • In “Gethsemane” there is… • …distress in disappointment • This was a painful reminder of man’s fickleness • Despite their claims, man often does not exhibit faithfulness Psa 118:8 1 Cor 4:6 • In our “Gethsemane” we’ll be reminded that God never disappoints Heb 13:5b-6

  8. Our “Gethsemane” • In “Gethsemane” there is… • …struggle in submission • Jesus struggled greatly that night Mk 14:32-36 • Sometimes, doing God’s will is more challenging than at other times • Even the apostles struggled Gal 2:11-13 cp. Acts 10-11

  9. Our “Gethsemane” • In “Gethsemane” there is… • …struggle in submission • There are consequences for not doing the will of God Lk 12:47 • We are reminded that true strength comes from trusting God, not relying on self Mt 26:53

  10. Our “Gethsemane” • In “Gethsemane” there is… • …struggle in submission • In our “Gethsemane” we’ll find the strength and desire to say with Jesus, “Not my will, but Thine be done”Jn 7:17

  11. Our “Gethsemane” • In “Gethsemane” there is… • …prevailing in prayer • Of all the places Jesus could have been that night, Gethsemane was where He needed to be • A place that brought everything into focus • A place where He found His strength Heb 5:6-8

  12. Our “Gethsemane” • In “Gethsemane” there is… • …prevailing in prayer • Of all the places Jesus could have been that night, Gethsemane was where He needed to be • A place where He put Himself entirely in His Father’s hands 1 Pet 4:19

  13. Our “Gethsemane” • In “Gethsemane” there is… • …prevailing in prayer • Only after He knelt in prayer was Jesus able to stand before His enemies • In our “Gethsemane” we’ll find strength in prayer • When we come before His throne boldly Heb 4:14-16

  14. Our “Gethsemane” • In “Gethsemane” there is… • …prevailing in prayer • In our “Gethsemane” we’ll find strength in prayer • Where we lose our anxieties, make our requests, and gain peace Phil 4:6-7 • Where we cast our every care upon Him who cares for us 1 Pet 5:6-7

  15. Conclusion • All the events re: Jesus’ D/B/R (Fri – Sun) are the climax of the Bible story • It is the very centerpiece of man’s redemption • Yet, these events had their real beginning on Thursday night in Gethsemane’s garden • Jesus went there to “prepare”

  16. Conclusion • When (not “If”) these things that happened to Jesus happen to us, we need to do as He did • We need to retreat to our “Gethsemane” • Reflect on what is really important • Draw strength in prayer • Learn to submit to & actually do the will of God

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