MOWJCHCHMHMT263656LENT2A

NOTES: (1) Getheseman means an oil press, & was probably on the Mount of Olives. There is a linguistic connection between Olive Oil & mercy (cf. the Good Samaritan story). (2) v.56 tells us what happens is 'to make the writings of the Prophets come true'. Worth bearing in mind.

PRAYER: For strength to move on by 'hanging in there' with Jesus, not least in prayer. (That doesn't mean long-windedness!)

WARM UP: (for Groups): Are we better at giving people a 'kiss of death' or a 'kissof life'?

MOVING ON:
1. Do we have any Gethsemane(s) of our own? Given the ancient linguistic connection between olive oil & mercy (cf. the 'Good Samaritan' story) would moving on with Jesus mean we are free to choose mercy over aggression in dealing with others?

2. Do we ever pray in the kind of 'dejection & anguish' (as one translation puts it) Jesus does here? If we don't, might that mean we're not praying hard enough, or only for soft options? Might there be advantages if we were to pray with a companion or two of our choosing, as distinct from privately, or as a congregation?

3. Are we as persistent as we might be in prayer, or do we give up too soon, fall asleep, etc.? Are we too easily distracted from our praying? Are there lessons here for moving on with Jesus in the way He prays, so we could pray more effectively?

4. Are there ways we are betraying Jesus by failing to give Him the support He needs in this situation or that? Does a lack of commitment to Him ever mean we desert, betray, or crucify others? If we are conscious of doing this kind of thing to anyone in any way, could we put that right? Is this a good time to re-assess to whom or what we are really committed?

5. Does the symbolism of the physical attack on the High Priest's slave raise any questions about the way we or our church work through personal or public disagreements? Do we react to others in the Spirit of Jesus & the God He reveals to us - & wants to reveal in us? How come religion so often seems to bring out the worst in us rather than the best?

6. Are we ever puzzled or disconcerted by the fact that in clashes between good & evil, God so often loses out- or seems to? Is this an intrinsic message of the Scriptures? Where does the fact that Jesus Himself is caught up in the consequences of that leave us so far as our faith is concerned?

7. Can we think of ways in which we still make Jesus victim rather than Victor by what we do or don't do? If we choose not to move on with Jesus by giving Him total loyalty & obedience, isn't the only alternative that we are choosing to move away from Him? If we choose to avoid suffering with Jesus at any level, are we not also choosing to avoid being raised with Him - now & hereafter? Is there any present or future for us in moving away rather than moving on?

( For Groups: Closing prayers & 'housekeeping arrangements' for next meeting, etc.)