The Darkness of One Gethsemane Night
Perhaps perplexity best describes our reaction to today’s exposition of the Gospel of Mark chapter 14. The scene follows immediately upon the conclusion of the first Lord’s Supper. It also immediately precedes Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The bookends for Christ’s agony in the few hours between the two leave hardly a moment for Jesus to catch His breath to consider the rapidly advancing appointment to the death of the cross. Jesus chose to use this time in deep emotional and sorrowful prayer asking the Father to sustain Him in these last dark hours. He knew the cross would be a lonely, solitary journey as the disciples who only minutes before promised never to desert Him were not strong enough to pray with Him, to stay awake with Him, and to comfort Him when His burden intensified until His flesh nearly failed while He sweat great drops of blood (Luke 22:44).
The agony of His emotions was lost on the sympathies of the disciples. The mob came to take Him, and while they put up a show of resistance, it quickly faded as they only concerned themselves to preserve their own lives. The theme of the message reflects the groanings of Jesus during these final hours. There is no part of the scriptures we study today that show uncommon courage or any hope the cross would be avoided because of the steadfast resistance of the disciples.
This was the design for the last few hours. Loneliness and desertion, but not disappointment. The lengthy series of Jesus’ prayers had no intention to persuade a change in the method of redemption. There was no tearful plea for the Father to alter the prophecies of these events. They would continue as determined until the completion of all essential parts. The torturous beatings, the mocking, the pain, the blood, the humiliation—all would complete as planned and end in death—all followed by miraculous resurrection after three days lying in an inglorious dark tomb.
There are few sermon subjects that I am hesitant to approach. Most of the ones I am apprehensive about are more about timing than subject. The Holy Spirit works thoughts in me that do not seem appropriate at the time but perhaps timing is the most critical aspect in making them effective. The Spirit knows this far better than I since He is not constrained by the linear viewpoint of time. Today’s subject of mental suffering was difficult for me. The scriptures say Jesus was exceeding sorrowful, even unto death (Matthew 26:38). I am not anxious to speak of death, grief, and sorrow. I recently came through an extended period of this and did not necessarily want to be reminded of it. Ultimately, it is helpful because I remember the scriptures that supported me through it. A reminder that Jesus’ own burdens make Him experientially sympathetic strengthens our ability to understand we are not alone in ours.
Today’s worship service combines the regular study of Mark with the observance of the Lord’s Supper. Neither conflict with the other on this occasion. Interrupting with a specially prepared sermon for the Supper was not needed or desirable. Today’s theme fits perfectly, giving us another piece of the arc of well-rounded understanding. Praise God for the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ promise that He would direct our thoughts and teach us what to say.
Pastor V. Mark Smith