Talk 3
In the Garden
Matthew 26:36-46

Click here for the discussion questions in PDF format

Discussion questions

Warm up

  1. Is there anyone in the group that would like to share an occasion when they suffered a clear injustice?
  2. Why do you think we have such a strong sense of and longing for justice?

Read Matthew 26:36-46

Looking at the text

  1. Mike suggested that Jesus’ words in v37 could be paraphrased as ‘Guys, this is killing me!’ Read Hebrews 5:7. What was causing Jesus to express such grief and distress?
  2. Jesus asked his Father to take the cup from him. What is the cup he’s so fearful of drinking? See Jeremiah 25:15.
  3. You are most likely familiar with Hebrews 11 and what has been referred to as the ‘roll call of the great men and women of faith’. Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Samson. Yet they were all flawed people! People of faith, but forgiven! How could they be forgiven?
  4. What was it that that most terrified Jesus, given that many before and since have died terrible physical deaths?
  5. How is it that Jesus is so distressed in the garden, but so calm and measured when they come to arrest him? And calm through the trial? And calm on his way to the cross? And calm on the cross?

Reflecting on what it means for us

Read Romans 3:25.

  1. How is that believers of old – before Jesus – could be forgiven?
  2. What do you think is the best thing about being a Christian? Do you remember how Mike answered that?
  3. In his great love for us, God has agreed to meet us at one place – one crossroads – where we may be reconciled to him – the one place, where justice and mercy, kiss. What’s your response?
    Why do you think people struggle to know God’s love; to find his forgiveness; to accept what Jesus as done for them on the cross?

Thank you for the cross Lord. Thank you for the price you paid.
Bearing all my sin and shame, in love he came, and gave amazing grace.