Mark 14:27-52

27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled. 51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

Review

The passage before us is raw. It feels too intimate for our eyes to behold. We shouldn't get such an honest glimpse into Jesus, into God, into the disciples, we think.

But the cross looms for Jesus, and the convergence of thousands of unseen elements are about to manifest themselves in real-time. Judas's betrayal will become known. The disciples' fears will be acted upon. The Father's cup will be poured out. And the Son's mission will be accomplished. Everything will culminate in the cross. All will be exposed.

And this passage begins to more clearly expose it.

It starts, as we read, with Jesus announcing that the disciples will soon scatter from him, just as Zechariah had foretold (Zechariah 13:7).

Still, Jesus had hope. He said, "After I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee" (28). Though he knew he had to be struck, he also knew he would rise from the grave.

But even though Jesus talked about the sorrow of his death and hope of his resurrection, Peter made the conversation about Peter. He assured Jesus he'd never abandon him. Not even death could stop him. But Jesus assured Peter, and the rest, that they'd all deny him that very night.

With that, they entered Gethsemane (32). Gardens didn't exist within Jerusalem's walls, but some wealthy folks constructed small gardens, sanctuaries from the hustle of the city, outside the city gates, on the Mount of Olives. One of these good people seems to have donated their garden to Jesus and his men when they were in town.

When Jesus entered, he told his disciples to wait while he went further for prayer. He took Peter and James and John with him. Mark tells us it was then that Jesus began to be greatly distressed and troubled (33). The gravity of the cross rushed upon him while in the garden. He confessed his distress to his inner circle when he said, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch" (34).

Once alone, Jesus fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him (35). From his human vantage point, the coming hour seemed impossible.

It was a prayer of total honesty, transparency, and vulnerability from Jesus to the Father. All through Mark's gospel, Jesus is presented as the powerful Son of God, in control of every situation. Now, he falls on the throne of his Father, pleading for a reprieve.

But, emboldened by the friendship a man can have with Father God, Jesus concluded, "Yet not what I will, but what you will" (36). Determination filled Jesus' soul. He would do the Father's will. He would execute the plan written down from eternity past. He would be slain for the sin of the world.

After praying this way, Jesus came and found his disciples sleeping (37). He confronted Peter about their slumber (37). He was, after all, called to be the leader. But Jesus didn't call him "Peter" and instead used his old name, "Simon," because Peter was acting like his old self (37).

"Could you not watch one hour?" Jesus asked (37). He went on to tell them to pray so that they may not enter into temptation (38). The inner man might have the best of intentions -- such as standing with Jesus during his arrests and crucifixion -- but the flesh is weak (38). Because of this, Jesus said, they should not sleep but pray. By building up their spiritual strength, they could withstand future temptations.

This repeated itself two more times, and each time Jesus prayed in agony while the disciples blissfully slept. Finally, he told them the hour had come (41). It was time for sinners to have their way with the Son of Man (42).

With that, Judas appeared with the conglomerate of the Sanhedrin's religious leaders. The chief priests and the scribes and the elders had hired out a mob with swords and clubs to arrest the Holy Son of God (43). Judas, worried that they might not recognize Jesus in the darkness, gave a sign. "The one I will kiss is the man," Judas said (44). And he approached Jesus, called him "Rabbi", and passionately kissed our Lord (45).

While the thuggish mob seized Jesus, Peter could stand it no longer (46-47). Mark does not mention him by name, perhaps to protect his identity from the authorities at the time he wrote his gospel. John, however, writing years later, after Peter's death, identified Peter as the man who cut off the servant of the high priest's ear (47, John 18:10). What chaos.

Luke tells us that Jesus took a moment to heal the ear before asking, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?" (48, Luke 22:51). They'd never arrested him when he was in public places like the temple (49). But Jesus knew the Scripture had to be fulfilled.

And it was: They all left him and fled (49).

The episode ends with an odd description of a young man who followed Jesus to the garden (51). He was clothed with only a linen cloth about his body, and in the skirmish, the mob seized him, but he wriggled free and left the garment in their hands, running away naked (52).

Many theorize that this is an autobiographical note from Mark. The last supper could have happened in his parents' home, and he might have followed Jesus to the garden after the meal was over. Or, if Judas had first looked for Jesus at the house, Mark might have headed straight for the garden once he saw the danger Jesus was in. Either way, he seems genuinely embarrassed that he abandoned Jesus just as much as the other disciples.

The emphasis of the story seems obvious. The major point is the faithfulness of Jesus throughout. He is alone, betrayed, abandoned, distressed, and troubled. But he does not waver.

The secondary point is meant to serve the first. Jesus is presented as even greater because of the behavior of his disciples. Their failures only highlight his successes. Where their sin abounded, his grace abounded all the more. When they saw themselves as strong, when they did not pray, and when they lashed out with swords in the garden, Jesus endured.

So, in this passage, we have a determined Jesus and ineffective disciples. Let's look at both, starting with Jesus.

A Determined Jesus

Jesus is the hero of the Bible (Revelation 19:10). It all testifies of him (Luke 24:27). Clearly, he is the hero of this passage as well. But how was Jesus so determined? And how did he gain the strength he needed for his difficult journey? How did he get what he needed to climb Mt. Calvary?

1. He Found Solace In The Word

First, Jesus found solace in the word of God. Zechariah 13:7 had foretold what Jesus was about to endure. He quoted it to his disciples: "You will all fall away, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered'" (27).

This short passage of Scripture had convinced Jesus of two things -- that his disciples would scatter from him and that his death would be from the Father. The Father would strike him.

Oddly enough, this ended up comforting Jesus. He could remain confident that even though the Father had to strike him, had to turn his face away from him, had to "forsake" him, this was all part of God's plan. Jesus had a work to accomplish. This was the plan of the Triune God. And, after hours of darkness full of the cup of God's judgment, Jesus would cry out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). He would complete the work of God, the plan of God.

The word of God can become a book of solace for you. And I don't mean the obviously encouraging portions. Of course, those sections can minister to your heart. But there is something about the chaotic and dark and tumultuous parts of it that can comfort you as well. Through it all, God is in control, moving things forward for his ultimate purpose.

2. He Hoped In The Resurrection

But, second, Jesus hoped in the resurrection. Notice how, immediately after quoting a passage that predicted his disciples would abandon him, Jesus said, "But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee" (28).

He'd predetermined to meet his followers on their home turf, far from Jerusalem, back in the humble region of Galilee, after his resurrection. The gospel writers record some of the post-resurrection meetings with Jesus. Some occurred in and near Jerusalem, but others took place in Galilee. One, in particular, captured Paul's attention:

1 Corinthians 15:6 (ESV) — 6 "...he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep."

Jesus foresaw this meeting in advance, and it gave him hope.

This confidence helped Jesus endure his hour of trial. He knew he would rise from the dead. In Genesis, Abraham was convinced God would raise Isaac from the dead to fulfill his promises, and Jesus was also convinced he would rise (Hebrews 11:19). Nothing could stop him. He would rise and usher in resurrection life for all who believe in him.

And resurrection hope can strengthen even the dimmest Christian soul. Because Jesus secured a resurrection for his people, we can have confidence today. Wrongs will be righted. True justice will be meted out. And immortality will come to these bodies of weakness. His resurrection tomorrow can embolden us for life today.

3. He Endured Aloneness On His Mission

Third, Jesus endured aloneness on his mission. He seems to have wanted, more than anything, companionship with his friends and his Father in heaven during this night. Though they'd deny him, Jesus took his disciples to the secret place of prayer. He invited three of them further into the garden. And he cried out to God, calling him "Abba, Father" (36). Jesus, about to suffer alone, thirsted closeness with others.

It is fascinating to consider, though, how Jesus felt furthest from others and God when he was closest to the Father's will. The closer the cross came, the more miserable he felt. His disciples were distant from him in that garden and eventually fled from him once he was arrested there. And, on the cross, he cried out, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). But, the whole time, he was in the center of God's will. He was living his best life.

We live in an age that runs from discomfort and instead pursues personal happiness. Whatever brings us personal fulfillment must be pursued. But the result is more depression, sadness, and brokenness than we know what to do with. It doesn't pay to value the self over others. In the wake of the pursuit of happiness are hurt people, chaotic families, and unsatisfied individuals.

But Jesus endured all that aloneness, the feelings of despair, so that he could remain in the current of God's will. Sometimes God's plan hurts, and Jesus was game.

4. He Resolved To Carry Out His Purpose

Fourth, Jesus resolved to carry out his purpose. He called it his "cup." Some have scoffed at Jesus' plea before the Father in the garden, pointing out that many martyrs of various philosophies and religions have died with more boldness and honor. They ridicule Jesus' request that this cup pass from him.

But these mockers do not understand Jesus' cup. No one else has ever died as a representative for the entire human race. Adam had sinned and became the forefather of a race of sinners. But just as one man's sin brought death, so one man's death would bring sinless life (Romans 5:17).

No one else has ever had the weight of the sins of the world placed onto his body. Paul said that Jesus became sin for us while on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). I cannot imagine the gruesomeness of that experience. By way of comparison, I think of modern jobs where police or social media companies are required to review the most debased online behaviors. But Jesus' subsumed the sin of the world into his body while on the cross.

No one else has felt the full rush of Satan's venom. He had tempted Jesus in the wilderness, but after failing, he departed until an "opportune time" (Luke 4:13). I am prone to think this was the opportune moment. He feels present, lurking in the shadows, vexing our Lord.

And no one else has ever had the eternal and unbroken love of the Father and Spirit severed for a moment because of the alien presence of sin. From eternity past, every time the Son had turned to the Father, a rush of love was released, and joy bubbled forth. Father, Spirit, and Son in perfect harmony and fellowship -- the three, one. But with our sin on him, Jesus would be alone, separated as the Father struck him.

This was the cup Jesus would drink -- and had begun to drink in that garden. And the intensity of this cup hit him that night.

But, in prayer, he prayed the pinnacle of all prayers: "Yet not what I will, but what you will" (36). His prayers did not exist to conform the Father to his will, but to conform his will to the Father's. This is the best form of prayer. Total honesty. Total communion. Total vulnerability. But he landed on submission to God.

And how could Jesus arrive at such a conclusion? The secret is found in the opening of his prayer. He said, "Abba, Father" (36). Abba -- this is a tender title used by young Jewish children to address their fathers. Even with a heightened sense of the doom he was about to enter, Jesus was able to see God as his loving and gentle papa. And Jesus parlayed this closeness with the Father into the most daring and vital act of human history.

The Ineffective Disciples

That's a bit about Jesus from this passage, but we should also take note of the disciples. They were ineffective. The passage begins with them declaring they will never deny Jesus, and it ends with all of them, even an unnamed-linenless-dude, running away from Jesus.

Their behavior was catastrophic. James says a doubting and faithless person is "like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind" (James 1:6). I can think of a million ways I'd rather have my life described. I don't want to flounder but flourish. And though this passage is clearly centered on the majesty of Jesus, it also carries the minor tones of the disciples' failures. Why were they so ineffective?

1. They Did Not See Themselves Correctly

First, they did not see themselves correctly. When Jesus told them they would scatter like sheep whose shepherd had been struck, they all denied it, starting with Peter. He was cocky about it, too: "Even though they all fall away, I will not" (29). I can see why you'd say these weaker men would run from you, but not me.

And when Jesus guaranteed his denial would be repeated three times before morning came, Peter said, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you" (31). Big talk. We know how the story ends, with Peter in a puddle of tears, broken down over his failure (Mark 14:72).

And we shouldn't only prosecute Peter today. They all said the same thing (31).

They didn't see themselves correctly. The Bible says:

1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV) — 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

The man who cannot see his utter weakness without God is doomed. Peter was like a little boy imagining himself victorious in battle -- he had no idea of how weak his own weaponry and body and soul were for the war he was about to enter. He was ill-prepared, and his delusional self-view cost him dearly.

2. They Were Not Dependent Upon God

Second, they were not dependent upon God. This is a natural outworking of undue self-confidence, seeing yourself incorrectly. The reason we know of their lack of dependence upon him is their lack of prayer to him.

There, in the garden of Gethsemane, they slept while Jesus prayed. Remember, this was not the first time Jesus had invited Peter, James, and John somewhere he hadn't invited the others. The first time, he raised a dead little girl back to life. The second time, he was transfigured while Moses and Elijah visited from the afterlife and God spoke. These are earth-shattering events, so you might expect them to be alert during this scene.

But, as Jesus said, their flesh was weak (38). They had heard from Jesus that they'd be tempted to forsake him, but they didn't feel they needed to pray for help to stay true to him. Instead, they slept when they should have prayed. And their prayerlessness was evidence they were not dependent upon God.

3. They Did Not Understand The Upside-Down Nature Of The Kingdom

Third, they did not understand the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God. When Judas came into the garden, and the captors reached out to arrest Jesus, Peter produced a sword and began hacking away. Fishing was his forte; this was made clear by the fact all he got was an ear.

But Peter's attitude belonged to the whole group. They had debated how many swords they should bring for the days to come (Luke 22:38). Though Jesus could have produced thousands of angels to fight for him in the garden, he submitted. These men didn't yet understand the nature of the war Jesus waged. When they saw swords and clubs in the hands of Jesus' captors, they thought they thought they could win in Jesus' kingdom with swords of their own.

But this is not the way of Christ's kingdom. One day, he will take the world by force. His internal kingdom will be expressed externally. But, right now, his kingdom is of an upside-down nature. The sword -- necessary for governments and authorities in combatting wickedness -- is not the way to expand Christ's kingdom. The victory is to the humble, the meek, and the mourner.

We often think the battle is external in nature. We think political force or the power of numbers will grant us victory. But Jesus' kingdom does not spread that way. Historically, the periods of greatest power for the visible church have led to the periods of greatest decay in the church.

But Jesus

Jesus, however, excelled where these disciples failed. He did see himself correctly -- he was the Shepherd who would be struck, and he felt weak in the face of his task. So he was dependent upon God and prayed to the Father in the garden, looking for strength to shore up his feelings of weakness. And he did understand the upside-down nature of the kingdom he would establish through his cross, so he felt no need to fight the powers of his day.

And it's this Jesus who graciously restored his disciples. They failed that night, but one day they would become elite warriors in Christ's forces. They would see themselves correctly. They would pray. And they would fight for his kingdom with entirely different and invisible and spiritual weapons. But not before Christ's restoration, a restoration he wants everyone to know in him.