Mark 14:53-54 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.
 
THE attention on Peter in the high priest’s courtyard causes us to miss the fact that John was there, too. The apostle wrote in in his gospel that he had helped Peter enter the area adjacent to Jesus’ first inquisition: John 18:16 The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. Peter and John apparently had become close as they followed Jesus. These “fisherman from Capernaum” were God’s chosen instruments for the greatest cause the world has known. Luke’s account of the early church in Acts 2-8 centers around the work of these two men. And Peter is the first to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10).
   But Peter had no such thoughts that early morning in Jerusalem. John opened the way for Peter to get as close as possible to Jesus. Based on his bold commitment, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” (Mark 14:29) and the fact he had cut off Malchus’ ear, Peter seemed ready to fight for his rabbi. Yes, Jesus had commanded him to stop the fighting, to put down his sword. But this was Peter, thinking he needed to protect Jesus. Did he not know the one who calmed the wind and waves could walk away from his enemies anytime he wanted to do so?
   Sitting around the fire, Peter watched and waited. He was a strong fisherman, a country boy. He was a man who did things; he took control of the circumstances. Peter moved confidently and boldly. That was his life. Why wouldn’t he be that way now?
   We can find it to be very difficult to be still and wait on God. We are taught to be purposeful and to direct our lives toward goals. That is good to the point it causes us to forget who has the greatest power. Our sovereign God gives us brains and gifts to be successful. And most importantly he gives us the wisdom to know his purpose is our life’s most important task.
   If Peter had considered the night’s prior events: At the Passover supper Jesus warned Peter he would deny Jesus three times. Jesus then told Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31). There was the grief in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ arrest and Jesus’ command to put down the sword. Perhaps Peter should have been wondering, “What must I do to be faithful to Jesus tonight?” Peter had gone to the courtyard to help Jesus. Peter didn’t know God had put him there, so Satan could sift him.
   Too focused on, “What can I do?” Peter was completely unprepared for what God would do.
 
Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Mark 14:46-52 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled. 51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. 
 
VIOLENCE and retreat mark the disciples’ response to Jesus’ arrest. We learn Peter attempted to take control: John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Luke tells us Jesus’ quick response is to heal Malchus. Luke 22:51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. Have you ever thought Jesus’ compassion should have kept him from his trial? Wasn’t Malchus grateful, and weren’t the temple guards amazed at the healing miracle? Sin had so completely blinded them, they were intent to arrest Jesus. Evil’s momentum controls the calloused heart. 
   The evil also overwhelmed the disciples. The men who had promised to defend Jesus to their death all fled. We will see that John and Peter followed the guards to Jesus’ trial. But they kept their distance. None accompanied the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16) to defend him. How easily we can declare our commitment when we only need to speak it. Our true allegiance to the Lord is revealed in our response – flee the assault or fight for what is right?
   From that night in the Garden until the night the risen Jesus met the disciples behind a locked door, Jesus’ 11 closest followers would be afraid, confused and grieved. We can believe, too, they were filled with hate toward Judas. These emotions would dominate their minds. They were in no state of faith to remember Jesus’ call, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)
   Many believe Mark is the young man who fled naked, leaving his garment behind. Regardless of who it is, this can be an illustration of our response to a faith crisis. We can be quick to flee the conflict. When obstacles arise, you must see them as opportunities God gives you to clothe yourself with strength, (to) put on your garments of splendor. (Isaiah 52:1) Jesus had clothed his disciples in righteousness, preaching and revealing God’s power had come to earth. In a moment of fear, the disciples abandoned all the Lord had given to them.
   Be on guard. Your faith needs continual strengthening. We must often make the decision to retreat or to stand. What do you do? 

Mark 14:41-45 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” 43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 
 
JESUS had prayed for release from this cup of suffering. Now he knows the Father’s answer to his prayer. The cup remains on Jesus. He obediently goes to confront his purpose. Jesus awakens his sleeping disciples into action, “Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go!”
   “Let us go!” is not Jesus’ panic to urge, “Let’s run and retreat!” No, it is, “Let us go and meet my betrayer, my destiny, my purpose in the Father’s will.” Jesus is the faithful Son, who calls his disciples to go to war with him. But each of the remaining 11 will fulfill Jesus’ prophecy in Mark 14:27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’”
   Judas strikes first. Have you seen such an unholy kiss? Judas, you betrayer, you’ve done your dirty work. You’ve brought to Gethsemane a crowd of people who will follow the crowd, regardless of where it goes, even if it goes to Hell. What were you thinking? What did the disciples think when they saw you kiss their rabbi?
   Judas, you call him, “Rabbi!” but really he is no longer your rabbi. You’ve turned on him, and you’ve turned him over to his enemies. You brought along some cowards who have only courage to arrest Jesus in the dark. Evil works at night, Judas, and you’re leading the way.
   How could you do this, Judas? What do you think of Jesus standing there to receive your kiss? Were your self-interests so strong you forgot the many wonders and signs Jesus revealed in Israel? What is it like when your lips touched his cheek? Did he back off to repulse you?
   Judas, did you regret your time with Jesus? Did you wonder why you answered his call to follow? Are you feeling empty inside? Do you perhaps want to turn and defend him? Or is it too late?
   For Judas, it was too late. His appointed time had come. The Father had allowed Satan to enter Judas: John 13:27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him. Judas was the devil’s weapon against the Son’s salvation. Satan didn’t win in the desert temptations (Luke 4). So he attempted to defeat Jesus in Jerusalem. In a few minutes it seemed everything Jesus had come to do would be destroyed.
   But as always, it is Jesus who is in control in the Father’s will. Jesus will not flee the Father’s purpose. He will fulfill the Scriptures that promise these things must happen.      

Mark 4:37-40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” 39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 
 
CONSIDER the dynamic personal interaction here. Jesus had told Peter, perhaps an hour earlier, “You will deny me three times.” Peter had objected, denying Jesus’ warning. Still Jesus took Peter with him to engage in this battle against Satan. But the confident Peter and the brothers James and John, who had requested a special role in Jesus’ kingdom, fell asleep. Their human spirit was willing, but their flesh failed as the King’s watchmen.
   Peter, James and John, Jesus’ closest disciples, have failed him at this critical hour. Peter had said, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” Mark 14:31 But he couldn’t stay awake. Still, Jesus urged them to establish a strong defense against temptation. He knows mankind’s spirit is willing to follow God. And he also knows the body is weak. Prayer is a bulwark of self-defense. Jesus knew what the disciples were about to endure. He knew they needed God’s Spirit to strengthen their flesh, so they could faithfully encounter the next three days – even the rest of  their lives.  
   Then Jesus, the Commander of the LORD’s army (See Joshua 5:15.) continued the battle. Jesus returned to his prayer post to once more pray the same thing, “Take this cup from me.” The King was leading his followers into battle, but they had no strength to follow.
   As we consider life as Jesus’ disciples, this scene can be very real for us. We may remember the times we have failed our Lord’s command, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”  We neglect to pray for ourselves, our brothers and sisters in the church, missionaries, pastors, Sunday school teachers, and churches. Too often we have failed to pray for the Spirit to work his power on unrepentant souls. We neglect to pray in faith for healing in our community and healing in our bodies. Have we prayed for revival? Do we intercede for our government leaders? When do we pray for our enemies?
   Our faith can too easily be a sleeping faith, only awakening our consideration of God when we encounter some struggle or sadness. Our words may say we’re eager to join him, but our weak flesh retreats to the tree, and we spiritually fall asleep.
   What would it be like if we prayed for the Spirit to clothe us with God’s armor? Would we be able to obey Jesus’ command to, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
 
Ephesians 6: 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

Mark 14:36-40 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
 
JESUS prays in faith, “Abba, everything is possible for you.” We would say, “Daddy, you can do it.” Then he pleads with the Father, “Take this cup from me.” The cup is God’s wrath of judgment on sin. It will be poured over Jesus as he is crucified. Jesus does not want to be “the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29b)
   But governing Jesus’ prayer for his will is his submission to the Father’s will. As a sorrowful servant, Jesus laments for release of his mission to the cross. And then he prays for strength to submit to the cross. Jesus’ primary desire is to remain in union with the Father’s will.   
   Jesus plainly spoke his pain to the Father. There are many places in Scripture that teach us we can be honest with God. One of those is Psalm 88.1-6 O LORD, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. 2 May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. 3 For my soul is full of trouble, and my life draws near the grave. 4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength. 5 I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. 6 You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.
   This is one of the few psalms that has no words of praise to God. Is the psalmist blaming God for his darkness? More likely he is expressing the depths of his emotions. Great trouble was in this man’s soul. He wrote a song to express it.
   We can learn through this psalm and Jesus’ prayer that God wants to hear your heart, regardless of the pain in your heart. Our LORD is Lord of heaven and earth. He is far above any criticism or complaint. Always know the LORD is deeply invested in your well-being. Remember, he created you in his image. His will is for you to have a personal relationship with him.
   This means he wants you to be personal with him. You can’t be closely connected with God if you do not speak your deepest needs to him. He does not want you to come to him to say, “All is good, LORD.” when it’s not. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:20b) If you trust him as the God of your life, creator of the universe, you can trust him to hear your cries, even from the darkest depths.
   Also within Jesus’ prayer is an understanding of God’s will in all circumstances. Jesus knew God’s will was the reason for his suffering soon to come. He understood the complete picture of God’s salvation through his incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension and return. Still, he pleaded for the Father to remove the suffering.
   Submitting to God’s will is accepting not my will but yours with a worshipful heart. You understand God knows the complete picture of your life. To be in his will is to be saved unto heaven for your eternal joy with him. As heaven approaches, God’s will for you is to know he is one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:6)
   Yes, the LORD God Almighty is ready and willing to hear your prayers of pain, supplication, thanksgiving and praise. Speak your heart to God. Then be willing to hear him speak to you.

Mark 14:32-35 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.
 
JESUS’ extreme grief is his impending separation from the Father and the Spirit. The Holy Trinity was to be briefly divided to mend sin’s division. Perhaps it is easy to say, “His separation was only for three days.” But that view erases the truth of Jesus’ grievous emotional experience in Gethsemane.
   Consider the Holy Trinity is the eternal, self-existent God. The mystery of God, three-in-one is a reality we scarcely comprehend. As Jesus is separated from the Trinity, even if it is a blip in eternity, the Trinity will experience a deep grief surpassing all knowledge. You can’t imagine, can you, how grief-stricken you would be if you had to kill your child to save a criminal’s life, even if it were just for an instant knowing he would come back to life. You couldn’t do it. You would consider no cause worthwhile to make you to do such a horrible thing.
   Yes, this is not Jesus going away for a weekend to return to work on Sunday morning. The Father is about to kill the Son. The Holy Trinity’s deep grief shows forth in Jesus’ mournful heart.
   How does Jesus, fully man, fully God, cope with this grief? He prays. John 17 tells us he had prayed earlier that evening, “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” (John 17:5) He knows he will soon be in heaven. Was more prayer necessary?
   Yes, prayer was very necessary. God was about to make his Son, who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) We cannot imagine the spiritual pain in Jesus’ heart as he anticipated he would be crushed for our sins (Isaiah 53:5b) The Son needed the Father’s comfort and the Spirit’s life-giving power to encounter the next few hours. His incarnation would end in betrayal, denial and death.
      In our dark moments, Jesus is your example to pray that the trials will not crush you. As you are saved in Jesus, remember God is your Father in heaven who promises that by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5c) As Christians, we follow Christ. Follow him into the prayer room. Then trust his response.  

Peter’s Four Denials
 
Mark 14:29-31 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” 30 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today – yes, tonight – before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” 31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
 
YOU are saying, “Peter didn’t deny Jesus four times.” And so it was as recorded in Mark 14:66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don't know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. 69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, “I don't know this man you're talking about.” 72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
   Three times Peter violently denied his relationship with Jesus. Where is the fourth?
   Let’s consider Peter’s response to Jesus when Jesus said, “I tell you the truth…you yourself will disown me three times.”  What’s true when Jesus said, “I tell you the truth”? Of course, what he says is true.
   But Peter denied Jesus’ truth here. “I will never disown you.” Peter, my friend, arguing with the Truth is futile. Wouldn’t it have been better for you to go into prayer about what Jesus had said? Wouldn’t you want to find strength to get through the trial Jesus had prepared for you? Wouldn’t you pray for the Father to guard your heart amid the hurt that was about to afflict your soul? Should you have sought the Lord’s strength to endure the agony of denying your Lord?
   Peter, you strong, passionate man, did you not once confess, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) Why were you so eager to argue with God’s Son? He’s your rabbi. You’ve seen him do miracles. You’ve been overwhelmed with his glory on the mount. You’ve heard him chastise the Pharisees for their unbelief. Peter! Wake up and gird your heart to trust the Lord will lead you through this very dark valley. He has told you the truth. Why, Peter, is your response to Jesus, “I don’t believe you.”
   Peter is the target here. But we have a tendency to forget all the others said the same. They all denied Jesus when they dismissed his truth. They denied him when they ran from the Garden. All but John denied Jesus when they remained hidden until the risen Lord encountered them in a locked room.
   The Lord had chosen Peter to be his leader for the gospel of salvation to reach the world. Peter had to encounter and endure the testing, so he would be willing to always say, “Yes, Lord.” when God pointed him to the severe trials of his gospel ministry.  
   In our daily walk, it’s very easy to deny Jesus when his truth does not seem to make sense to us. In humble submission, let’s always remember, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

Mark 14:27-28 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
 
HOW would you feel if someone wrote in a book about 20 years ago that God would strike you with sudden death at the hands of your enemies? He would then scatter your family and friends as they hid from your enemies. Would you tell them? Maybe you would avoid talking about it, hoping God would change his mind. What would you do if that person also wrote you would rise again? Would you believe it, embrace it or run from it?
   About 500 years before Jesus’ stood before his disciples that night, God spoke through the prophet Zechairah 13:7 “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the LORD Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones.” A physical sword cannot come awake. But the Father used the sword as an image of an instrument of death that will strike a man close to him – my shepherd. The people under the shepherd’s care will be scattered.
   Jesus is the Word made flesh. He knows his purpose is to die, so he can defeat death. His disciples will scatter briefly, hiding in fear of the Romans and the Temple Guard. The Word had spoken through the prophets to foretell his servant life, afflicted death and astonishing resurrection.
   Jesus did not hide from this prophecy, hoping the Father would change his mind. In fact he had spoken his destiny three times to his disciples. In the hours before his arrest, Jesus once more embraced his purpose. Jesus goes to Gethsemane to prepare to meet his betrayer and the evil he brings with him.  
   That’s the point he makes to his disciples. The sword – his death – is not the end, but a step toward their eternal union. “But after I have risen.” is his dynamic words of victory over evil and death. He says there will be  evidence of his resurrection promise: “I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Each word from the Word points us toward the Holy God’s revelation to draw you into eternal life. At this hour of grief before he is pierced for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5a) Jesus remains the Good Shepherd, prepared to stricken by God, smitten and afflicted (Isaiah 53:4b). Jesus comforts and assures his disciples that the pain, grief and death brief. Then he will rise to meet up with them again in Galilee.
   The Good Shepherd meets his purpose. The Good Shepherd assures his flock. He wants them to trust him. They must know he is prophecy come true. 

Mark 14:26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 
 
DID you know Jesus sang with his disciples? Do you wonder what Jesus’ vocal range was? Did Jesus have perfect pitch? Maybe he sang lead. Or perhaps Jesus sang supporting harmony. Knowing Jesus, it’s likely his voice blended precisely with the others’.
   What did they sing on this night? After the Passover meal, it was customary for the Jews to sing psalms from the Hallel, meaning praise. This is the name for Psalms 113-118. Read through them, and you will discover some familiar praises you may have sung or said, too, when you worshiped God.
 
Psalms 116:1-6 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. 3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, save me!” 5 The LORD’s gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
 
Psalms 117:1-2 Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. 2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.
 
Psalms 118:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
 
Verse upon worshipful verse of the Hallel proclaim God’s salvation. Several have been incorporated into modern praise songs. Many have been used in hymns and calls to worship through the church’s history to praise God’s enduring love to bring us to himself.
   The Jews sang these songs remembering God’s salvation to bring Israel from Egypt. Little did the disciples know that these songs were about to become very personal for them.
    As they left the Upper Room, the disciples believed they were returning to Bethany where they had spent the previous seven or eight nights. But on the way, Jesus stopped at an olive grove called Gethsemane. The disciples were about to gain a greater understanding of God’s gracious, saving love that endures forever.

Mark 14:22-25 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”
 
COMMUNION is one word used to define the remembrance of this last Passover meal Jesus ate with his disciples. One definition of the word communion says: Communion is to share one’s intimate thoughts or feelings with another, especially on a spiritual level. “The purpose of praying is to commune with God.”
    Jesus’ meal was certainly an intimate exchange between Jesus and his disciples. Not only did he share his thoughts and words, he completely gave himself to an eternal communion with them – and with each believer.
    How large and eternal is the Son’s love that he took the bread, then gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” He had told them, “I am the Bread of life.” (John 6:35) They would come to understand that the bread represents Jesus’ broken body redeemed from death. When we receive this broken bread in faith, we join in eternal communion with the Son, Father and Spirit.
    Then he deepened his communion with his disciples through the cup. A Passover meal required four cups be passed. Jesus passed the fourth cup called the cup of consummation. This completed the Passover ceremony. But Jesus did not drink it. He promised, instead, that, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”  He says there is more to come. From his blood comes a new promise from God that he will commune eternally with all who receive the cup in faith. That’s why he told the disciples in Matthew 26:27 “Drink from it all of you.”  He promised there would one day be a final consummation of the meal on, “that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”
    Communion is a sacrament of the church, so called because it is to be a sacred observance of Jesus’ command, “Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19b) As we do communion let’s remember the benefits of an intimate love relationship with Jesus:

1. Communion unites us before God. We all come; we all eat and drink together. We confess our sin and restate our need for him to lead our lives.
2. Communion reminds us that we are forgiven.  
3. Communion expresses our oneness in Christ. We are unified in our faith and in our experience of Christ.
4. Communion encourages us to recommit. As we recall the sacrifice of Christ, he reminds us to pledge ourselves to service like his. (from Life Application Bible Commentary)

    The early church found great joy in Communion. May this be true for you and your church.