Gethsemane

Choice 1: Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1-2. The Savior’s Suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane 1. Review Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46, making a list of words and phrases that describe the Savior’s suffering. Include in your list clarifications provided in the footnotes. *sorrowful, very heavy, fell on his face, sore amazed, take away this cup from me, agony, prayed more earnestly, his sweat as it were great drops of blood 2. Write additional insights about the Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane found in the following resources: • Mosiah 3:7; Alma 7:11-13; Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19 • The institute student manual commentary, “To What Extent Was the Atonement Completed in the Garden of Gethsemane?” (pg. 173) • The institute student manual commentary for Luke 22:44, “And Being in an Agony, He Prayed More Earnestly” (pgs.173-74) • The institute student manual commentary for Luke 22:44, “And His Sweat Was As It Were Great Drops of Blood Falling Down to the Ground” (pg. 174) The Savior’s suffering for us was so intense that His skins exuded a bloody sweat. That was not something a mortal could have endured. But because of his divine heritage and love for us he suffered this intense experience. It is mind-blowing to know that someone could have so much love for us. Even knowing that many of us would never fully appreciate the sacrifice. It make me want to be a better saint and help others benefit from the atonement. 3. Read Matthew 26:36 and the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 26:36, “Then Cometh Jesus … unto a Place Called Gethsemane” (pgs. 172-73). Write a paragraph about how the meaning of Gethsemane adds insight to what the Savior experienced there. Knowing that Gethsemane means ‘oil press’ is a reminder of the sacred, hallowed experience there. Like the oil that is pressed from the olives, the Savior was pressed and His sacrifice gave life to all. Because of Him we will all live again. I am in awe of all the symbolism around us. 4. Write response to each of the following questions, looking for lessons you can apply to your own life from the example of the Savior in Gethsemane: • What were the Savior’s disciples doing while He was praying? What had the Lord taught the Apostles in Matthew 26:41? What does His example teach about how to be obedient even when “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”? How does Doctrine and Covenants 10:5 apply to this verse? The apostles must have been very tired or did not understand completely the immensity of the situation because they fell asleep. The Savior counseled them to “watch and pray”. This is great counsel. When we are mindful of our surroundings and set goals of how to overcome temptation, we can prepare ourselves against the adversary. Keeping a prayer in our heart keeps that heavenly connection to the Lord. The only power in this world that truly saves is from Heavenly Father. He helps us to overcome anything. Through the power of the atonement we can be made stronger daily. • Read Mosiah 15:7; 3 Nephi 11:11; Doctrine and Covenants 19:19. Write the phrases from these verses that describe what motivated the Savior to “drink the bitter cup.” The Savior’s motivation always is to do the will of the Father. Everything he does is to glorify God. • Write your thoughts about the Savior’s use of the word “nevertheless” in Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42. In each of these accounts, what did the Savior initially ask for? What did He say next, using the word “nevertheless?” What does it require to submit one’s will to the Father in this way, no matter how painful or difficult the outcome might be? When have you followed the “nevertheless” pattern the Savior exemplified in these verses by submitting to Heavenly Father’s will even though it was very difficult? The Savior was suffering and wanted to have the cup removed but He was willing to endure the Father’s will. Heavenly blessed him with angels to bear him up. In our own situations we struggle. But as we turn to the Savior we are given strength beyond our own and can overcome any situation. • According to Luke 22:44, as the Savior’s agony became more intense, how did His prayer change? Do you feel more like praying or less like praying when you are suffering? When has it made a difference in your suffering to have turned to the Lord with more earnest prayer? I feel more like praying when I am having a hard time. There is not a place on earth that can give comfort like Heavenly Father can give. We prayer more earnestly when we’re suffering. But even in times of feast we can keep a heartfelt prayer. • Reflect on what you have learned about the Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane. Write a paragraph about lessons you can apply to your own life from the example of the Savior in Gethsemane. Lessons I can continue to apply are turning to the Lord for strength and watching and praying always. I think of my link to Heavenly Father as the only saving lifeline that will bless me eternally. As I nurture that relationship and try always to do His will everything else will fall into place. I will be better in my other relationships because I will be strong in my relationship with the Lord.