Friday First - Triumphant Prayer

During October we have examined Jesus’ faithfulness to the Father and how that inspires us to lead lives of obedient and persistent faith. Two weeks ago we discussed Jesus’ baptism and learned how that was a moment of triumph and declaration. The Messiah had come. Jesus was going to identify with sinners and begin his personal ministry. Last week we discussed Jesus’ temptation by Satan in Matthew 4.1-11. From this we learn how we can resist sin and grow in our dependence on God to sustain us.

Now, as we enter Sunday’s text, we’ll examine Luke 22.39-46. Satan’s goal is still the same: keep Jesus off the cross. Over the final 12 hours of Jesus’ life, completely alone to face it all, the Savior experiences Satan’s final and most severe temptation. In fact, Jesus calls it the hour of dominion and darkness, Luke 22.53. The conflict was so intense that Jesus says, my soul is grieved to the point of death, Matthew 26.38. What Jesus endured is absolutely unique in the history of the world. Hebrews 5.7 lets us in on the intensity of His anguish.

It is on the Mount of Olives, in the garden of Gethsemane, that Jesus triumphs in one of the greatest spiritual battles in history … and the tool he is using is prayer. What is in this text that we can learn so we can inspire our faith?

On Sunday we’ll examine Luke 22.39-46 in detail and see how Jesus triumphant prayer is one of:

• 22.40 - expectation
• 22.41 - agony
• 22.42 - submission
• 22.43-46 - restoration

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

• How does Mark 14.34 & Matthew 26.38 describe the intensity of the conflict Jesus is experiencing in the garden?
• How can we draw inspiration from Luke 22.43 and Hebrews 1.14?
• As Jesus and the 11 enter the garden, what does he instruct them to do?
• According to John 17.5, what is Jesus’ greatest desire?
• How can you draw strength from Jesus’ statement in Luke 22.42?

OPENING / WELCOME
Rich Walker

SONG LEADER
Jason Schofield

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Wes Grushon

LORD'S SUPPER
Nathan Armstrong

SCRIPTURE READING
Dan Dekoski
Luke 22.39-46

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
Russ Robins

WELCOME CENTER
Cain Atkinson / Pat Reeder

USHERS
Randy Mullins / Bob Hoopes

HEALTH SCREENING (arrive @ 08.45)
FRONT ENTRY: Tina Jacobs
REAR ENTRY: Kathy Downey