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Setting the scene in the garden:

^{Matthew 26:36-56, John 1:29, Romans 5:18-19, 2 Kings 19:35}

^{Cup: Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17, 53:4-7, Ezekiel 23:31-34, Jeremiah 25:15, Nahum 1:2-8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 12:2}

The Last Supper:

The Garden of Gethsemane:

The Cup:

The Prayer:

The Sword:

Only two possibilities:

Option #1: What Jesus accomplished on the cross is truly the for to be .

Option #2: Christianity is about an and God who His Son into a .

WARM UP

1. What's something you dreaded doing that turned out to be worth it, like a hard conversation, a workout, a dentist visit, or a move?

   
   

2. When you need to think something through, where do you go to do your best thinking? A walk, the car, the shower, a quiet room? What makes that place work for you?

   
   

3. What stood out to you most from this weekend’s sermon? Did anything change the way you think about Jesus’ final hours before the cross?

   
   

KNOW IT

This weekend we saw Jesus’ struggle as He prayed in the garden before His betrayal. It is a tense picture of wrestling in prayer and submission that is almost uncomfortable to witness. Still, we’ll revisit the scene and try to experience it tangibly. Read Matthew 26:36–56 together.

1. What stands out about how Jesus prays? Why do you think the biblical authors go into such detailed description of Jesus’ emotional state?

   
   

2. Throughout the Old Testament, the cup is used as a symbol of God's judgment against sin. Read a few of these aloud: Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17, 22, Jeremiah 25:15–16, Nahum 1:2–6, 2 Corinthians 5:21. Which image hits you hardest, and what does it show about the cup Jesus dreaded?

   
   

3. Jesus asked for the cup to be taken from Him. Read verses 53–54 and Romans 3:25–26. Why was taking this cup and the cross necessary?

   
   

SHARE IT

1. Jesus told Peter to put away his sword and asked, “Am I leading a rebellion?” What things do you reach for when life doesn't go your way? Think control, anger, worry, manipulation, or withdrawing. Is there an area in your life where you feel like you should fight, but this passage is leading you to a greater faith?

   
   

2. Jesus brought His honest feelings to the Father and still said “Your will be done.” Do you tend to hide your feelings from God, or stay stuck in them? What would it look like to do both: be honest and surrender?

   
   

LIVE IT

1. Read Philippians 2:5–8. Jesus modeled humility by laying aside His own rights and desires to carry out the Father’s will. Where might God be asking you to set aside your own preferences, pride, or need to be in control in order to respond with humility?

   
   

2. Think about something you’re currently holding tightly to—a relationship, a decision, a desired outcome, or a circumstance you can’t control. In light of our teaching this weekend and the passage, what would it look like to surrender that to God in a practical way? Is there one specific action you can take this week that reflects your trust in Him?