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BACKGROUND
(Specially for more Serious Students)
GARDENS
GARDEN
PARADISE
PARADISE
EDEN
EDEN, GARDEN OF
GETHSEMANE
GETHSEMANE
RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
RESURRECTION
RIVER OF GOD
The
full background to this teaching is available online at this link
THE 3 GARDENS OF GOD
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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMENE
A GARDEN OF SELF-SACRIFICE
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 GETHSEMANE (from Aram. JDWB_VÛHPHQ ‘an oil press’). A garden ( NH.SRV, Jn. 18:1), E of Jerusalem beyond the Kidron valley and near the Mount of Olives (Mt. 26:30). It was a favourite retreat frequented by Christ and his disciples, which became the scene of the agony, Judas’ betrayal and the arrest (Mk. 14:32-52). It should probably be contrasted with Eden, as the garden where the second Adam prevailed over temptation.
The New Bible Dictionary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1962
Most of us think that the cross itself represented the moment of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. While that is true from our standpoint, for
Jesus, His commitment, His self-sacrifice, was actually made prior to the events of the cross taking place, during His time of prayer at the Garden of Gethsemene. Once we understand this, the account of the events that fateful night takes on a whole new perspective.
For example, His disappointment at the disciples falling asleep is now understandable. They were deserting Him at the most crucial decision making
time of His life and ministry.
Let's now take a look at the story.
After participating in the Last Supper, Jesus and His remaining disciples (Judas had departed) left the room, gathering together amongst the olive
trees of Gethsemene. The time of decision was at hand.
Matthew 26:36
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 He selected His closest three associates and took them with Him as support during the time of the irreversible decision He was about to make.
Matthew 26:37
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 It would appear that Peter, James and John didn't realize the importance and gravity of the moment, as Jesus had to tell them of His agony and ask them to support Him.
Matthew 26:38
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 The moment of decision, the moment of self-sacrifice had arrived. Jesus didn't want to die on the cross! He knew the consequences. He knew the battle he would face, the pain He would suffer, both physically and spiritually. Naturally, He didn't want to do it! Yet He remained, as He had throughout His life, 100% committed to doing the will of His Father.
Matthew 26:39
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 After taking this ultimate step of obedience He returned to His disciples for comfort and support for what He had just done. It's no wonder He was
upset when He spoke to Peter!
Matthew 26:40-41a
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 This was followed by a statement that applied not only to the disciples, as we generally understand it, but also to Jesus himself!
Matthew 26:41b
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 Going back to pray, He again cried out to His Father
Matthew 26:42
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 What a disappointment His closest friends must have been! He had to tell them what was about to happen. How bad afterwards, the three disciples must have felt, when they finally understood what Jesus had been going through!
Matthew 26:45-46
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 The decision made, Jesus went forward to begin the process that would inevitably lead to the to the anguish of the cross of His destiny.
Matthew 26:47-50
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| IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY |
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 The challenge of the Christian life has always been to live the way Jesus did. The ultimate example of this is found at Gethsemene, when Jesus
placed the will of His Father above His own life.
No less a commitment is required of each and every follower of Jesus today. While we may not face literal death, as Jesus did, a spiritual death to our own desires and ambitions is required of each and every one who truly desires to follow Him.
For example, the apostle Paul experienced physical hardship and eventual death at the hands of the Romans.
2Corinthians 11:23-33
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 Paul did not minister on his own behalf but out of obedience, allowing Christ to work through him.
Romans 15:17-19
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Doing God's will produces character in our lives.
Romans 5:1-4
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 Through conquering all the challenges we face, we become as one with Jesus in doing the Father's will.
Romans 8:37-9
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| <i>NEXT WEEK</I> THE GARDEN OF THE TOMB: A GARDEN OF VICTORY
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 Without the resurrection, Jesus would have been just another good man, who lived and died, as we all do.
Therefore the resurrection in the garden is a key event in the story of Jesus and in our faith walk.
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 Obedience and sacrifice are the keys to walking with Jesus. Jesus set the example at Gethsemane that we are still to copy today.
Are we prepared to make the sacrifice of our life, as He made for us?
TAX COLLECTOR
The Jewish people were under the yoke of foreign oppressors ever since the Babylonian captivity. During the New Testament times the land of Israel was within the province of Syria and the tax collectors were collectors of Roman taxes, they were extortioners, and very despised. The Jews detested these tax collectors not only on account of their abusive and tyrannical attitude, but because the very taxes that they were forced to collect by the Roman government were a badge of servitude and a constant reminder that God had forsaken His people. The tax collectors were always classed by the people with the harlots, usurers, gamblers, thieves, and dishonest herdsmen, who lived promiscuous, lawless lives. Some of the common terms for the tax collectors were "licensed robbers" and "beasts in human shape."
Source: http://www.bible-history.com
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
936. The path of obedience takes a different route to that of our natural understanding.
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
Waxing Lyrical: http://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing.php
If Only I'd Thought of it: http://www.wwj.org.nz/thought.php
Laughing at Ourselves: http://www.wwj.org.nz/laugh.php
A look at some of lifes curious questions: http://www.wwj.org.nz/why.php
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And the whole process was repeated for a third time. 
As we follow the example of Jesus. 
There are lots of other examples to follow too.