GETHSEMANE TO THE CROSS

By Neal Pollard

INTRODUCTION
A. Jesus & The Disciples Had Worshipped Together In The City Of Jerusalem In The Upper Room, Observing The Passover & Ending The Service W/A Song.

1. They went from there to the Mt. of Olives, where Jesus warned them that all of them, even Peter, would all fall away from Him that very night, scattering like sheep w/o a shepherd.

B. Christ Had Now Come To The Threshold Of The Task He Had Come To Accomplish On This Earth.

1. He who is from everlasting to everlasting (Jn 1:1) had come by way of the virgin (Mt 1:25), He had grown to maturity obedient to Joseph & Mary (Lk 2:51), He had powerfully taught & debated, healed & comforted, & had triumphantly entered Jerusalem earlier that week.
2. Now, as He said in Jn 17:1, the hour had come.

a. In fact, after that recorded prayer, we read (18:1-When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, & his disciples.

C. Let Us Use Six Words To Remember The Life Of Christ From Gethsemane To The Cross.

I. INTENSITY (14:32-42)
A. Notice The Textual Evidence Of This Intensity.

1. In His demeanor (33-34-& he taketh with him Peter & James & John, & began to be sore amazed, & to be very heavy; 34 & saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, & watch.

a. Jesus was under great stress & not likely exagerrating when He spoke of how deeply grieved He was
b. Luke bears witness to how troubled He was (Lk 22:44-& being in agony He was praying very fervently; & His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.

1) Some have said this was the medical phenomenon "hematadrosis" (bursting capillaries)
2)But even if it wasn’t, it was still intense emotion. When have you prayed so hard that you sweated?

2. In His posture–He fell to the ground (35); W.R. Nicoll–Lit. he fell again & again on the ground. It was a protracted desperate struggle

a.Jesus was so weighed down w/the thot of finishing His work that He staggered about

3. In His prayer (36-Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt

a. Including definite articles, this prayer in the Greek consists of only twenty words
b. While this was possibly only a sample of all Jesus said as He prayed, since He prayed an hour each time, it’s not inconceivable to conclude that this was His entire prayer
c. Have you ever prayed so fervently to God to save your child or spare your loved one or help you overcome some sin or burden that you just kept repeating yourself?
d. Either way, Jesus’ prayer gives evidence of great emotion: Abba–Which to the people in His day meant the "speech of the child to its father"

1)This was theologically a new way for Jews to look at God, but more importantly here it was an impassioned plea for help
2)Christ also makes an imperative statement: "Take away this cup from me" (Suggests urgency & apprehension)

B. Notice The Reasons For The Intense Emotions

1. The drowsiness of the disciples–They could not stay awake, to watch & pray for Him
2. The solitude of the situation–No one could understand what Jesus was going thru
3. The content of the cup–He was about to die on the cross, tho He was perfectly innocent

C. Jesus Understood The Importance Of His Death But Also The Pain Of The Cross

II. INCARCERATION (14:43-52)
A. Jesus Knew That His Sinful Accusers Had Arrived (Mk 14:41)
B. Jesus’ Incarceration Was Facilitated By Depraved Betrayal

1. Judas, who is IDed in at least 11 vs. as "the traitor," led the jealous mob of Jews into the Garden, since He knew this was a favorite spot of our Lord’s
2. Once He spotted Jesus, Judas signified w/a kiss exactly who Jesus was

a. Tho we scorn Judas’ evil deed, how often is our adoration for Christ only skin deep–we appear to others to be righteous & devoted to Him, but our heart is far from Him

3. Remarkably, Jesus had told the other apostles more than a week before of His betrayal (Mt 20:18-19
4. Now, the covetous apostle, used providentially by God, brot the murderers to His Master

C. Jesus’ Incarceration Was Impeded By Blind Zeal (Jn 18:10-Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

1. Mark doesn’t record Jesus’ comments about Peter’s action, tho Mt & Jn record it
2. But the gospels make it clear the disciples were prepared for a physical battle (Lk 22:49)
3. However, Jesus allows Himself to be carried away to be tried

D. Jesus’ Incarceration Was Accomplished By Divine Permission

1. 49-Jesus said, but the scriptures must be fulfilled
2. Remember, Jesus wasn’t powerless (Mt 26:53-54-Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

a. 12 legions could mean as many as 72K angels, what a staggering thot since man is made lower than the angels (He 2:9)

3. Some of these very Jews, no doubt, would soon here Peter say (Ac 2:23-Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel & foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, & by wicked hands have crucified & slain:

a. The Jews’ rejection did not foil Christ’s original plan, as premillenialism suggests
b. Their rejection was part of God’s eternal scheme of redemption

III. INJUSTICE (14:53-65)
A. From The Shadows Cast Upon The Darkness By Their Torches & Lanterns, These Jews Drag Jesus From One Travesty Of Justice To Another
B. Jesus Faced Injustices From The Sanhedrin

1. The 71 Member Sanhedrin Council Was The Supreme Tribunal Of The Jews. It Sat At Jerusalem & Its Powers Were Legislative, Executive & Judicial. The Body Was Composed Of 3 Chambers--23 Priests, 23 Scribes, 23 Elders, & 2 Presiding Officers; In This Case Annas & Caiaphas
2. Annas & Caiaphas were corrupt & greedy, tho Annas is said to have been more aggressive
3. & most of the council were power jockies, corrupted by money & position
4. Many have searched the Jewish law & uncovered numerous illegalities in the proceeding:

a. Proceedings at night were illegal; Secret examination was illegal (Jn 18:19); They proceeded w/the capital trial tho such required the agreement of 2-3 witnesses & even their false witnesses couldn’t agree ; They indicted Jesus on vague accusations; The Sanhedrin couldn’t originate charges since they were also the judges; Caiaphas illegally served as both judge & witness; It was illegal because the members of the Council were His enemies
b. Jews went as far as Roman law would allow them, & they broke their own laws every step of the way

C. Jesus Endured Injustice From The False Witnesses (14:56-60)
D. He Endured Injustice From The Officers (14:65-& some began to spit on him, & to cover his face, & to buffet him, & to say unto him, Prophesy: & the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
E. How Else Could A Mob Of Hypocritical & Wicked Men Have Seized A Prfctly Innocent Man?

1. There have been famous trials centered around the violation of individual’s civil rites, but none can even begin to compare to the mockery of justice in the case of Jesus of Naz.!

IV. INFIDELITY (14:66-52)
A. A Remarkable, Tho Disappointing, Transformation Occurred In The Midst Of Such Injstce

1. Peter had vowed just hrs. earlier (14:29-But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
2. After Jesus’ arrest, Peter fled w/the others (50-They all forsook him & fled

B. Peter’s Infidelity To Christ Began W/His Position (54-& Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: & he sat with the servants, & warmed himself at the fire.

1.It should be noted that, thru all the events rite before & during the crucifixion, only John followed closer than Peter–Thus, the indictment of Peter fully indicts the other nine A.
2. But, Peter found himself in the company of the enemies of Christ

a. 3 noted things are said about his position–in palace of H.P.; seated w/the guards; warming by their fire
b. No one of those acts, nor even all 3, were spiritually fatal, but together they put him under extreme social pressure

1)Can we fail to make the application that surrounding ourselves w/the wrong spiritual environment can lead us to deny Christ–It did that to a man who lit. walked w/Christ for 3 yrs.

C. Peter’s Infidelity To Christ Was Fueled By His Fear–Several factors lead me to believe he had reason to be afraid

1. Christ demanded, as condition of His submitting to arrest, that His disciples be allowed to go free (Jn 18:8)
2. John informs us that Malchus’ relative was among Peter’s interrogaters (Jn 18:26)
3. Gamaliel (Ac 5:36-37) mentioned false Messiahs whose movements were well known

a. Josephus indicates that in at least the one involving Judas of Galilee, many of his disciples were killed (this would’ve been about 6-7 A.D.) & this bloodbath would be fresh in the memory of the Jews
b. Perhaps Peter questioned, in the fire of trial, His faith in Christ, not yet ready to die for Christ

4. Peter’s own words after his repentance may be a commentary on his own state of mind this nite

a. 1 Pt 3:14-15-But & if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: & be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: & be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness & fear:

1) Certain phrases jump out, don’t they: Be not afraid of their terror; Be not troubled; Be ready to answer

D. Peter’s Infidelity To Christ Was Prompted By The Questions–He had 3 opportunities to confess Christ, but he denied Him 3 Xs
E. Peter’s Infidelity To Christ Was Confirmed By The Rooster–Some would say that this is a Bible contradiction: The other 3 gospel writers said "Before the rooster crows you shall deny me 3 times & Mark says, "Before the rooster crows twice, you shall deny me 3 times." This is simply a case where Mark reports w/more exactness a speech the other 3 report in less specific terms, tho the meaning isn’t changed

1. The crowing rooster is the climactic act which reminds Peter of how low he had fallen (1 C

V. INTERVIEW (15:1-5)-- Only Brief Mention Will Be Given To Jesus’ Interview W/Pilate
A. After The Bald-Faced Mockery Of Justice Thru The Nite, Jesus’ Accusers Try To Give Some Semblance Of Legality To The Proceedings & Formally Charge Christ Before Pilate

1. In capital offences, the Jews couldn’t execute the prisoner–The Romans had to step in

B. So Jesus Was Brot Before Pilate

1. What a contrast this must’ve been (the mob’s wild accusations & Jesus’ silence)

C. The Interview Was Brief, Consisting according to Mark of only 2 questions

1. "Are you the King of the Jews?" & "Aren’t you going to answer all these charges?"
2. Jesus was not panicked or defensive. He was only silent. Pilate was amazed

D. No Doubt This Interview Led Pilate To Some Accurate Conclusions–

1. He was not guilty (Lk 23:4) & He should not be crucified (Mk 15:14)

E. This Interview Reveals A Contrast In Three Leadership Styles: Jewish Leaders (Corrupt), Pilate (Cowardly) & Christ (Calm & Courageous)

VI. INHUMANITY (15:6-23)
A. Finally, After Seizing, Trying, & Accusing Jesus Under False Pretenses, Jesus’ Hour Had Fully Come
B. Petty Jealousy & Fear Of Exposure Had Mushroomed Into Unmixed Hatred (Civility Was Replaced W/Brutality)

1. Remember that their bitterness was being unleashed on one perfect & innocent

C. Mk 15:6-23-Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. 7 & there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. 8 & the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them. 9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? 10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. 11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. 12 & Pilate answered & said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? 13 & they cried out again, Crucify him. 14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? & they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. 15 & so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, & delivered J, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. 16 & the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; & they call together the whole band. 17 & they clothed him with purple, & platted a crown of thorns, & put it about his head, 18 & began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! 19 & they smote him on the head with a reed, & did spit upon him, & bowing their knees worshipped him. 20 & when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, & put his own clothes on him, & led him out to crucify him. 21 & they compel 1 Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander & Rufus, to bear his cross. 22 & they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. 23 & they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

CONCLUSION
A. What Do We Learn From This Events, From Gethsemane To The Cross?

1. We see the last day of Christ from His perspective: apprehension & dread (He 5:7; He 12:2)
2. We see the last day of Christ from His disciples perspective: confusion & fear
3. We see ... from His accusers’ perspective: blind rage & perverted satisfaction
4. We see... from His judge’s perspective: amazement & belief, but ultimate helplessness
5. We see... from the soldiers’ perspective: indifference, unbelief, & depraved ungodliness

B. As You Look Back At This, Remember The Six Eyes That Hopefully Help You See More Clearly What Your Lord Endured For You In Addition To The Horrible Death On The Cross
C. What Will You Do W/One Who Did All Of This In Your Place?

1. A man dreamed he saw Jesus tied to the whipping post, being scourged by a soldier. As the soldier brot down the whip on Jesus’ bare shoulders, the man shuddered when he saw the marks & blood stains it left behind. When the soldier raised his hand to strike Jesus again, the dreamer lunged for the soldier to stop him. As he did the soldier turned around & the dreamer recognized himself.