Our Advent Bible Study begins Monday @ 6:00pm in the fellowship hall.
Scripture:
Mark 14:24-37 (ESV)
And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. [25] Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
[26] And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. [27] And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' [28] But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." [29] Peter said to him, "Even though they all fall away, I will not." [30] And Jesus said to him, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." [31] But he said emphatically, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." And they all said the same.
[32] And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." [33] And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. [34] And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch." [35] And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. [36] And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." [37] And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?
Questions for Reflection
1. How have your friends helped you through difficult times in your life?
2. What is it like to have a friend let you down when you really need support?
3. Who has been a faithful friend to you during difficult times in your life?
4. Why do you think Jesus chose three disciples to pray with Him?
5. What does the fact that God did not grant Jesus’ request teach us about prayer?
6. How does this passage encourage you to react when you feel distressed or troubled?
7. What about Christ’s humanity can we learn from this event in His life?
8. How can we trust God with our extremely difficult circumstances?
9. What does it mean to “watch and pray”?
10. How can we prevent ourselves from falling into temptation?
