When Jesus faced arrest and crucifixion, He draws away with His disciples to pour out His anguish before the Father. In that place of anguished prayer in Luke 22:39-46, Jesus yields to the Father’s will.
What does it look like for us to pray with the Master in the midst of anguish?
Sermon Outline
“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:44)
The Noticeable Pattern of Prayer by Jesus (Luke 22:39:-46)
- The Necessity of Prayer
- Unchanging Humility
- Unchanged by Circumstances
Jesus Praying in the Midst of Anguish (Luke 22:42-46)
- Honesty of Jesus
- Submission by Jesus
- Jesus Strengthened
- The Resolve of Jesus
Praying in Times of Anguish
- Meeting with the Father
- Humility
- Honesty
- Resolve
- Changing our Stance (Luke 22:41)
- Anguish for the Broken
- Hope that Rests Above
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Share 1-2 highlights of the summer. What are some ways that you see God at work in your life?
- This week we continue our series “The Art of Prayer” from the Gospel of Luke. As you begin your study, ask God to guide you into a deeper life of prayer with Him. Then, whether you are with a group or on your own, read Luke 22:39-46 aloud.
- What are the circumstances that are surrounding Jesus in this moment? What is your first instinct when things, people, or difficulty is surrounding you? It is important to under- stand than in every situation, whether seemingly victorious or difficult, the pattern that was apparent in the life of Jesus was to meet with The Father in prayer.
- Read verse 41. What is important about the position that Jesus had in prayer? What does it indicate about Jesus understanding of God the Father?
- Verse 42 is the first part of the prayer of Jesus. What does Jesus pray for? Why do you think he prays for this? What can you learn about being honest in our prayer life with God the Father?
- As Jesus brings his request to God, there is a break in the prayer. Why do you think that God sends an angel to Jesus? If Jesus needed to be strengthened, what should that indicate about each of us?
- In verse 44, we see the 2nd part of the prayer of Jesus in this passage. What is the word used to describe the emotion and feeling of Jesus? He has been in prayer and was strengthened by an angel and is still in anguish. Why? How does it make you feel when you understand the pain Jesus was going through even prior to the cross for you? How did Jesus show resolve in the midst of this anguish? How can you as a group emulate this amazing resolve?
- When you pray, how often do you pray for God’s will to be done? Jesus knows what he wants, like we often do when we pray, but he specifically prays that God’s will be done. How can we have a trust and faith in God to pray like that?
- During times of anguish, what are some things we can take from the prayers of Jesus that can serve as an encouragement to each of us? How can we encourage each other during these times?
- One of Pastor Matt’s favorite passages is Revelation 21:1-5. Read this as a group. What hope can that give us as we live in a world that is broken? How can you share this hope with other people this week?
- What is one significant thing you are learning through this study? How might you put that into practice this week as you pray? Whether on your own or with a group, take some time to pray based off of what God was speaking to you during this study.