step one

This Weekly Bible Passage will be the basis of next Sunday’s sermon. Spend some time studying it prior to Sunday and see what God is revealing to you in it.

Matthew 26:36-46

The Prayer in the Garden

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 Again, a second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And he came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open.

44 After leaving them, he went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? See, the time is near. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”

Step two

Join us on Sunday for this critical second step in encountering God through His word as we gather together as a church family.

step three

Questions to discuss and process as a Discipleship Group, based on the previous Weekly Bible Passage and Sunday Sermon.

Encourage one another towards a deeper, more vibrant relationship with Jesus.

These discussion questions are based on the talk on March 22nd, 2026:

1. As Jesus prays, He responds physically to God's presence (v. 35). Is physical response a regular part of your prayer or worship? If so, what effect does it have on your time with God? If not, what reservations do you have about it?

2. When was the last time you reflected on the fact that Jesus drank the cup of judgment that you deserved? How does that reality affect the way we relate to Him and to each other?

3. In the garden, Jesus submits His deepest fears to God because He recognizes Him as a faithful Father (v. 36). What things might God be calling you to relinquish to Him? Do you trust God to care for you as a good Father through that relinquishment?