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2005 Lenten Study Series: Matthew's Passion of Christ

The Prediction and Prayer of Christ

Read: Matthew 26:31-46

“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” ~Matthew 26:42

1. Judas’ betrayal was pre-meditated but the rest of the disciples were well-intentioned and at least thought they would be faithful. How was what Jesus did to Judas different from what he did to the rest of the disciples?

2. How should the disciples have reacted to Jesus’ reference to the words of the prophet Zechariah? Has a faithful believer ever warned you about a spiritual shortcoming or weakness? If so, how did you react?

3. Analyze Peter’s behavior. How did he fail?

4. Why do we think like Peter, that we are better than we really are?

5. Why was Jesus “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death”?

6. Jesus went off to pray alone many times, why did the prayer support of the disciples mean so much to him this time?

7. What part of the Gethsemane account has to do with the disciples and their relationship to Jesus and what part has to do with Jesus and his relationship to the Father?

8. Are we guilty of letting down one another the way the disciples let down Jesus?

9. How does Gethsemane demonstrate that some of Jesus’ main problems were resolved here?

10. Reflect on the simplicity of Jesus’ prayer to the Father. How does his prayer model for us true prayer and communion with our heavenly Father?