Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Alone and Abandoned

Bryan Schneider · February 3, 2024

Mark 14:26-52

sharonrpc.org/sermons/alone-and-abandoned

Summary

Jesus confidently receives the Father's scriptural plan, while Peter and the other disciples confidently trust their own resolve and soon abandon him.
Gethsemane exposes human weakness: the closest disciples cannot remain awake, and believers likewise cannot conquer temptation through determination alone.
Jesus is no stoic; deeply distressed, he honestly pleads with his Father yet submits perfectly—'not what I will, but what you will.'
As the true second Adam and Passover Lamb, Jesus enters the trial alone, obeys where Adam and his disciples fail, and willingly receives the cup required for redemption.
Judas' calculated kiss, Peter's sword, and the disciples' flight fulfill Scripture, while Jesus remains the story's only truly virtuous and victorious hero.
Strength against besetting sin begins with admitting personal inability, abiding in Christ, and depending on the Holy Spirit rather than constructing confidence in self.
God ordinarily strengthens believers through the Word, sacraments, and prayer—the same means prominent in Jesus' final evening with his disciples.

Where am I relying on strong resolutions instead of recognizing the weakness of my flesh?
How do I respond when God's providence takes a path different from the one I expected?
What besetting sin has repeatedly shown that I cannot be my own hero?
Do I bring distress honestly to the Father while still submitting to his will?
When temptation becomes intense, do I stop and pray for deliverance or continue in my own strength?
Am I regularly receiving the Word, sacraments, and prayer as Christ's appointed means of strength?
What does Jesus accomplish alone that no disciple—and no one today—could accomplish for themselves?

Gethsemane: The garden where Jesus prays in deep distress, submits to the Father's will, and is betrayed and arrested.
Cup: The suffering and divine wrath Jesus must willingly receive in order to accomplish redemption.
Self-confidence: Reliance on one's own resolve, virtue, knowledge, or strength, illustrated by Peter's boast and failure.
Abiding in Christ: Continuing in living dependence upon Jesus as branches depend on the vine for life and fruit.
Ordinary means of grace: The Word, sacraments, and prayer through which Christ ordinarily communicates and strengthens saving grace.
Second Adam: Jesus as the obedient representative who withstands temptation and fulfills God's will where the first Adam failed.