My Redeemer (Lives) – Pt 1
Matthew 26:36-39 (NLT)
36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
1. Jesus chose to pursue us in His time of suffering.
Genesis 3:7-9 (NLT)
7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
2. God chose to pursue us in our time of suffering.
Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)
7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
Matthew: 26:40-42 (NLT)
40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”
Hebrews 5:7-9 (NLT)
7 While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. 8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. 9 In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.
– In our times of suffering, what does it take to say, “God, I want your will to be done?”
3. Jesus shows us in the Garden that it takes deep trust in God, prayer, and obedience each step of the way.
Matthew 26:53-54 (NLT)
53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
4. Jesus willingly submitted to the will of God and chose to suffer, so we could be set free.
Romans 5:17-19 (NLT)
17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: The Garden of Gethsemane represents a moment when Jesus chose obedience over self-preservation to save us.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Matthew 26:36-39 (NLT).
– Jesus chose to obey the Father even though it would lead to suffering. How can we put God’s will first in our lives, even when it’s hard or requires sacrifice?
– Share a time when you felt pursued by God. How did that experience impact your relationship with Him?
▶ Read Ephesians 1:7 (NLT). What does the price of redemption reveal about how God views us and our sin?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
Read Romans 5:17-19 (NLT). What is one area in your life where you need to embrace Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice more fully today? Share one action you can take to experience deeper freedom in Him.
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Thank Jesus for His sacrifice in the garden and on the cross. Ask the Lord to help us surrender to His will in all things.