Today we begin our new series for the month of April, Taking a Closer Look.

This month we are doing a double take, so to speak, regarding a few events associated with and around the Easter Story.

Have you ever visited somewhere and walked through a garden that left an imprint on your mind and heart?

This morning we are going to talk about The Garden of Gethsemane which is best known for a brief moment in the life of Jesus.
Matthew 26:30, 36-46

It had been a busy week for Jesus:
-Traveled from Jericho
-Lodged at Bethany with Lazarus
-Walked several times to the Temple
-Modeled prayer to His disciples and promised the Holy Spirit
-Predicted that Peter would deny Him and Judas would betray Him
-Concluded with a hymn and made their way back toward Bethany

Verse 36 tells us that Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane.
Luke 22:39 tells about it in a bit different way...

1. A place of PRAYER.

Being in the Garden at Gethsemane was not something unusual for Jesus. When He was in Jerusalem, he went there often to pray.
Prayer is communicating with God about all aspects of life and ministry.

Lesson: We need to pray! It's good to have a formal or regular place to pray but it can be done anywhere anytime. Is there a spot where you can go and be undisturbed as you pray?

2. A place of PRIVACY.
Matthew 26:36-37
After a long evening, the group walked down the streets of Jerusalem and then up to the Garden (around midnight). We could imagine that Jesus was running on emotional and social fumes.
His purpose in this was to get alone with those that care most for Him and to be with His Father.

Lesson: There are times in our lives when we too need to be with our trusted friends and alone with God.

3. A place of PAIN.
Matthew 26:38
In this verse we see the overwhelming sense of pain that Jesus is feeling.
Jesus was increasingly becoming aware of what lay in front of Him.
Jesus gave His life; it was not the idea of death that was engulfing Him.
It was the horrific idea of bearing the sins of humanity and literally becoming sin that weighed upon Him.
Luke 22:44
Lesson: Our sin wounds God tremendously. Do we have any sense of remorse for our sin? Do we have a sense of gratitude toward Him?

4. A place of PRIORITIES.
Matthew 26:39
As a man Jesus pleaded with God, the same way you and I would be if facing death. A big difference is the end of Jesus' prayer. He modeled to us what it means to be completely submitted to God's will. What sets Jesus apart here is His choice to focus on God and others, not just His needs.
Lesson: Next time we have a moderately major decision, ask yourself if your choice is more to honor God or to help you.

5. A place of POWER.
Matthew 26:45-46
We see a change here. Jesus has a renewed sense of energy.
Where did His renewed strength and determination come from?
Luke 22:34
Lesson: Jesus experienced God's refreshing as He prayed. He did not try to tackle the trials and troubles of life in His own power. If you are feeling down, discouraged, frustrated, or unsure about direction in life - the answer is prayer.

Application and Discussion:

1. What are some things that have made you do a double take?

2. Have you ever been to a unique garden? Did you learn any lessons from your visit?

3. Read the web link in your notes about Gethsemane. Did you learn anything new?

4. Which of the 5 points in the message spoke most to your heart and why?