​Sleeping Through a Garden Moment
Mark 14:32-42
Matthew 26:36-46
Luke 22:39-46
 
This is the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. No doubt we have all heard this story preached, read it ourselves, or seen movies regarding the Crucifixion of Christ. He was the perfect Son, in perfect union, with the perfect Father.
​
Was Jesus attempting to escape the performance his undertaking? Jesus was communicating his actual sentiments however he did not deny or oppose God's will. He reaffirmed his desire to do what God needed him to do. His petition features the awful enduring he needed to suffer, and desolation more regrettable than dying since he needed to assume the transgressions of the entire world. The cup was the misery and agony of distance from God the Father, at the cross. The immaculate Son of God took on all our sins and transgressions and was isolated for some time from God so that we could be saved for all eternity.

• John 12:27, Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
• Hebrews 5:7-9, Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

 
While praying, Jesus knew about what doing the Father's will would cost him. He comprehended the suffering he was going to experience, and he would not like to bear the terrible experience. However, Christ supplicated, "Not what I will, but what thou will". Anything worth having cost something. What does our obligation to God cost? To have something worthwhile, we must be willing to pay the cost.
 
Jesus teaches about serving others.

• Matthew 20:22, But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

 
Jesus speaks on doing God’s will not his own.

• John 5:30, I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
• John 6:38, For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
• John 18:11, Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

 
We will undergo trials, not because we want to suffer, but to obey God’s will. Just as Christ prayed, we should pray with an obedient spirit. Amid extraordinary pressure, we are defenseless against allurement and temptation, regardless of whether we have a willing soul. Jesus gave us an illustration of what to do to stand, pray to God (14:35), seek the support from other Christians (14:33, 37, 40-41), and focus on the purpose that God has placed for us (14:36).
 
Peter, James, and John went with Jesus to the garden, but what happened? Three times Jesus found them asleep. (The number 3 is the Divine Number, the number for completeness.) They went to a prayer meeting and fell asleep. How many times have we been guilty of that, and have we witnessed others doing the same thing? Was the prayer meeting boring? Was the prayer meeting too long? Was the Holy Spirit not at the prayer meeting, and if so, why not? Was the command ‘watch and pray’ for them to watch for temptation and pray for guidance/help?
 
The Spirit is truly ready, but the flesh is weak.

• Romans 7:23, But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

 
The sin inside us is often called the “flesh” or the “law in our members.” This is our weakness to sin; it alludes to everything inside us that is more faithful to our old method of egotistical living than to God. This is not saying that sleeping is a sin, but the time for sleeping was not at that time. These three men did not understand the urgency of the prayer meeting to which they were attending.

How can this apply to us today? Do we go to prayer meetings and fall asleep? Do we watch and pray lest we fall into temptation? Do we ask for others to help us pray?

Mark 4:35-41             
 
Jesus rebuked the wind. He didn’t have to speak more than once for this occasion. But how many times does God have to tell us something before we listen?

• Psalms 46:10, Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

 
Sometimes we tend to rely on self before trusting in the Lord. We see here that the men panicked, they were scared and afraid of the storm. (I’ve been on the sea during a storm, I can understand how they felt). They didn’t realize that the Master of the sea could calm or remove the storm.

• Matthew 8:23-27, And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

 

• Luke 8:22-25, Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

 
Years ago, the was an old TV commercial, “When EF Hutton speaks, people listen.” When the Lord speaks, why don’t we listen? When a newborn baby cries, her mother will speak and cuddle her and the baby calms down. Why? because the baby knows its mother’s voice. How many Christians today truly know the voice of God?
​
Storms can be physical or spiritual, small, or large. What storm is approaching you or are you in one already? What is the nature of your storm? Jonah disobeyed and his storm was for chastisement due to his sin. Peter’s storm was for faith building.

• John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 
Jesus can calm the storms of nature and of the heart. The storms will pass. How long you remain in the storm could depend on you. We know that Jesus can stop the storm. He’s just waiting on you. He’ll never leave us nor forsake us.
 
In Ecclesiastes 3, we know that to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose or everything that happens in our lives.
 
 
The Gaither Vocal Band, ‘Til The Storm Passes By:
 
In the dark of the midnight, Have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, And there's no hiding place,
'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Till the storm passes over, Till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky, Hold me fast let me stand,
In the hollow of thy hand, Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
 
 
Charles Albert Tindley, 1905, Stand By Me
 
When the storms of life are raging stand by me,
When the storms of life are raging stand by me,
When the world is tossing me,
Like a ship upon the sea,
Thou who rulest wind and water stand by me.
 
 
The words of Edward Hopper – a minister in the late 1800’s:

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee—Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.
As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boisterous waves obey Thy will when Thou say’st to them, “Be still.”
Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea, Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.
When at last I near the shore, and the fearful breakers roar
Twixt me and the peaceful rest —then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear Thee say to me, “Fear not — I will pilot thee.”

Mark 4:1-25
 
Are your seeds still in the barn or have you taken them out for planting?
 
All who proclaim Christ as their personal Savior are to plant the good seed every day. What type of Farmer are you? We all hold a Farmer position. Some may hold more than one. Whatever the case, find out your position and go to work.
 
 
The TILLER

• Isaiah 28:24, Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground?

 
What do tillers do? Break the ground, stir up the soil, prepare the ground for planting or do they bring confusion?
Use your tools wisely. It could be a verbal testimony, a song, how people see your life, your witness.
Use your tools carefully so as not to destroy the plants.
What may work on one may not work on another and some may respond quicker.
 
 
The SOWER

• Luke 8:11, Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God.

 
Do you plant the seeds and lay the foundation?
Some of the seeds must be laid in mass; objective is to get as much seed out as possible.
Not all of the seeds may grow, do not fret if it doesn't grow.
The Lord instructed to sow, growing depends on the condition of the heart.
 
 
The WATERER

• John 4:14, But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

 
Do you nurture, feed, and take care of what or where the seed is planted?
Too much water and the seeds drown, not enough and they dry up.
Don't deprive the soil of what it needs, food and water.
If the soil is receptive to what you've planted and you see it growing, tend to it.
It could be an older Christian tending to a younger one.
 
 
The REAPER

• Matthew 9:37-38, Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest is truly plenteous but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.

 
Do we gather the harvest or cut it down before it's had time to grow?
Have we waited too long, and it has dried up and dead?
Many are searching for the Word, looking for answers to their life.
Show them Jesus, bring them to Him.
 
Don't act hastily and overpower it, give it time to grow but don't wait too long and let it die.
 
Who is the sower? We are.
What is the seed? The Word of God.
What is the soil? The world.
 
There are plenty of people waiting to hear the Word. We should not make excuses, look around, and we’ll find someone eager to listen to the Word of God. God will use us in one way or another or maybe in all aspects of farming. We should be prepared to work. We could be the one to lead someone to Christ.

Mark 10:35-45
 
In this passage of Scripture, Mark is telling us what Jesus teaches about serving others. This concurs with the story in Matthew 20:20-28. Mark records that John and James went to Jesus with their appeal; in Matthew, their mother likewise made the petition. There is no logical inconsistency in the records, the mother and her sons were in arrangement in mentioning respected positions in Christ's Kingdom.
 
In verses 35-37:
The apostles, as most Jews of that day, had the incorrect thought of the Messiah's Kingdom as anticipated by the Old Testament prophets. They believed that Jesus would set up a natural realm that would liberate Israel from Rome's persecution, and James and John wanted regarded places in it. However, Jesus' Kingdom is not of this world; it is not fixated in royal residences or on high pedestals, yet in the hearts and lives of his supporters. The disciples did not comprehend this until sometime after Jesus' restoration.
 
In verses 38-40:
James and John said that they were able to confront any trial or tribulation for Christ. Both would indeed suffer: James suffered martyrdom (Acts 12:2), and John was banished, forced to live someplace far off (Revelation 1:9). It is not difficult to say that we will languish anything over Christ, but a large portion of us grumble over the most minor disturbances. Assuming that we would say that we will endure suffering largely for Christ, we should likewise expect to experience the small disturbances that accompany serving others.
​
Jesus did not criticize James and John for asking, however he denied their petition. We can go ahead and ask God for anything, yet our prayer might be denied. God wants to give us what is best for us, not just what we want. He denies a few supplications for our benefit.
 
In verses 41-45:
James and John wanted the most noteworthy positions in Jesus' Kingdom. However, Jesus let them know that genuine significance comes from serving others. Peter, who was one of the disciples, had heard this message, and he expounded on it in 1 Peter 5:1-4.
Most organizations, associations, and establishments measure significance by personal accomplishments and achievements. In any case, in Christ's Kingdom serving others is the method for excelling. If we are longing to be on top, that will ruin us, not help. Rather than trying to have our requirements met, we should search for ways that we can serve the necessities of others. (Luke 22:25-26)

A ransom was the value paid to deliver a slave. Jesus paid the ransom for us since we were unable to pay it ourselves. His passing set us all free from the bondage to sin. The disciples felt that Jesus' power and his life would save them from Rome; Jesus said that his passing would save them from their transgression, which was a considerably more prominent subjugation than Rome's. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
 
So, what does this mean?
Jesus portrayed leadership according to another viewpoint because the leadership system of the world is altogether different from the Kingdom's. Jesus' central goal was to serve others and to part with his life. Worldly leaders are regularly egotistical and presumptuous as they grapple their direction to the top. Yet, among Christians, a good leader is to be the person who serves best. Rather than utilizing individuals, we are to serve them.

There are various styles of leadership. Some lead through speaking publicly, some through directing, and some through connections. However, all Christian leaders need a servant’s heart. A decent Christian leader respects and appreciates other peoples' worth and understands that he is not above them or doing any menial work. Assuming we see something that should be done, we ought not stand by and wait for someone to ask us to do it. We can step up to the plate and do it like a good and faithful servant. We can likewise ask individuals that we know how we can better serve them.

Numerous Christians have squandered years attempting to no end to satisfy others when they might have been undeniably more useful living as God had planned them to live. This does not imply that we are to do something rash or without some kind of counsel. We really ought to put out our fleece and look for affirmation from God first.
 
Servant Leadership requires a person to have compassion.
A servant leader must have the desire to take care of those who follow him. There is a story in Mark 1:29-34, where Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-41) and many other people. We notice that Jesus “came and took her by the hand and lifted her up.” Jesus could have told the disciples to help her up, but this was personal for him, he went to her himself. We will also notice that after Jesus healed her, “she ministered unto them.”
 
Servant Leadership requires a person to be disciplined.
Solitude was important for the Lord (Matthew 14:23). He made room in his clamoring day to be isolated from every other person and be with the Father. Putting energy with God in prayer and petition upholds a basic relationship and sets us up to address life's hardships and struggles. We need to cultivate the control of contributing energy alone with God. It will help us with growing in a profound way and become progressively more like Christ. Jesus even started early in the morning (Mark 1:35), and sometimes that is the best time of day because of the quietness.
 
Servant Leadership requires a person to be faithful.
Jesus tells the parable of the growing seed in Mark 4:26-29. This is a parable about the Kingdom of God, recorded distinctly in Mark, uncovers that spiritual development (growth) is a constant, slow cycle. Afterwards, the harvest of spiritual growth is at long last culminated. We can comprehend the course of spiritual development by contrasting it with the slow process of a growing plant. We may not see how the plans that God makes work; however, we do realize that God is dependable. We can realize that as we faithfully lead others, God will favor the endeavors of our initiative. We may not generally win as the world accepts how winning ought to be, yet as we plant the seed of goodness, the harvest will come. Servant Leaders are called to be unwavering and to faithfulness. (John 4:35; Matthew 9:37-38)
 

Mark 4:1-25
 
In this passage of scripture, Jesus tells the parable of the four soils in Mark 4:1-9. Then in Mark 4:10-25, Jesus gives an explanation about the parable of the four soils.

Jesus used parables to instruct the people. Parables are brief tales utilizing recognizable scenes to clarify spiritual truth. This technique for educating urges the audience to think. It disguises the truth from the individuals who are excessively obstinate or biased to hear what is being instructed. Most parables have one central matter, so we should be mindful so as not to go past what Jesus planned to instruct.

The seed was planted the hard way. As the farmer strolled across the field, he would toss modest bunches of seed onto the ground from a huge sack that was thrown across his shoulders. The plants did not fill in flawless lines similarly as with the present machine planting. Regardless of how capable, no farmer could hold a portion of his seed back from dropping off the radar, from being dispersed among the stones and thistles, or from being taken away by the breeze. Notwithstanding, he tossed the seed generously and enough fell on good ground to guarantee the harvest.

We hear with our ears, however there is a more profound sort of tuning in with the heart and mind that is important to acquire spiritual comprehension from Jesus' words. Certain individuals in the group were searching for proof to use against Jesus. Others really wanted to learn and develop. Jesus' words were for the legitimate searchers.

Some individuals do not comprehend God's truth because they are not prepared for it. God uncovers the truth to individuals who will follow up on it and who will make it clear in their lives. We should know that when we talk with people about God, they may not comprehend it if they are not yet prepared for it. While taking whatever chance that presents itself to share the truth about God with people, we need to be patient and pray that the Holy Spirit will open their hearts and minds. Thereby, preparing them to be open to the truth and follow up on it.

The four soils address four distinct ways that individuals react to God's Word. Typically, we imagine that Jesus was discussing four several types of individuals. However, he might have likewise been discussing the various stages or times in an individual's life, or the way that we readily accept God's message in certain parts of our lives and oppose it in others. For instance, we might be available to God about our future, yet shut concerning how we spend our cash. We might react like the good soil to God's command for worship, yet like stony ground to his command to provide for those who are in need. We should consistently endeavor to resemble the good soil in each aspect of our lives.

Common worldly cares, deceptive wealth, and the longing for things tormented the Roman disciples as they do to us today. How simple it is for our day-by-day schedules to become packed with stuff that is not important. A stuffed existence of materialistic pursuits stuns our ears to God's Word. We really need to remain liberated from these obstacles with the goal that we can hear God when he addresses us.

In the event that a light does not assist individuals with seeing, it is futile. Does our life tell others the best way to find God and how to live for him? If not, we ought to ask what “bushels” have closed out our light. Carelessness, disdain, determination of heart, or rebellion can keep God's light from radiating through us to other people.

The radiance of Jesus' truth is uncovered to us, not covered up. Yet, we will be unable to see or to utilize all of that truth at this moment. We will comprehend and see a greater amount of truth if we put God’s instructions into practice. Our capacity to comprehend is flawed, but the truth is clear. Our spiritual vision will be sharpened, and our understanding will grow when we obey (James 1:22-25). We are accountable to utilize what we have in the right manner. It does not make any difference the amount that we have however how we manage it.
 
 
The Tiller:

Isaiah 28:24, “Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? Doth he open and break the clods of his ground?”

What do tillers do? They break the ground, stir up the soil, prepare ground for planting, or do they bring confusion? They are to use their tools wisely. It could be a verbal testimony, a song, how people see their life and witness. They are to use their tools carefully so as not to destroy the plants. What may work on one may not work on another, and some may respond quicker,
 

The Sower:

Luke 8:11, “Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God.”

Do we plant the seed and lay the foundation? Some seeds must be laid in mass; the objective is to get as much seed out as possible. Not all of the seeds may grow so do not worry if it does not grow. The Lord instructed us to sow, the growing depends on the condition of the heart.

 
The Waterer:

John 4:14, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.”

Do we nurture, feed, and take care of what or where the seed is planted? (Could be older Christians tending to younger Christians). Too much water and the seed drown, not enough and it dries up. Do not deprive the soil of what it needs, food and water. If the soil is receptive to what we have planted and we see it growing, we need to tend to it.

 
The Reaper:

Matthew 9:37-38, “Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest is truly plenteous, but the labourers are few: Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Do we gather the harvest or cut it down before it has had time to grow? Have we waited too long, and it has dried up and died? Many are searching for the Word, looking for answers to their lives. We are to show them Jesus, bring them to him. Do not act hastily and overpower it, give it time to grow but do not wait too long and let it die.

Who is the Sower? We are.

What is the seed? The Word of God.

What is the soil? The world.

There are plenty of people waiting to hear the Word. Do not make excuses, look around, and we will find someone eager to listen to the Word of God. God will use us in one way or another, or maybe in all aspects of farming. Be prepared to work. We could be the one to lead someone to Christ. Do our part, till the soil, plant the seed, water it (nurture), then help gather them in. Do not worry if the crop fails, go plant a garden somewhere else. Never give up, Christ did not give up on us.
​
All who proclaim Christ as their personal Savior are to plant the good seed every day. What type of spiritual Farmer are we? We all hold a Farmer position. Some of us may even hold more than one position. Whatever the case, we are to find out what our position is and go to work.
Christ has called us to service. No matter where we are, we should be working and not just sitting on the pew taking what the minister gives. We should be working in some capacity to fulfil the call.