The focus of Luke’s account is Jesus. Unlike the other gospels, he does not name the 3, or Peter who cuts off the servants ear, or the name of the servant. Luke does not have Judas kiss him, but only approach him to do so. John’s account is much more detailed. But as concise as Luke’s account is, it is also extremely powerful.
Again, we have the perspective of hind sight, even as Luke did in telling us this critical section of the story. We know the outcome. The disciples at that time did not know what was going to happen, but are still caught up in wondering about it. As they head out, without Judas being present, it surely curious as to where he is and what was he doing?
Pray before temptation or testing. 2 x
The Prayer of Jesus: sweat like drops of blood.
The agony of the weight of what is about to transpire: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians5:21ESV
Definition
Nevertheless is a bridge between two opposing ideas or sets of facts, the first of which cannot invalidate or even dilute the latter, cannot ever make it less true.
Jesus sees the agony of the cross, the pain, the death and the grave. His human side says I prefer life, nevertheless – on the other side: Thy will be done!
We stand on the sidelines, crying out, Jesus don’t back out now, don’t desert us.
The sorrow of the disciples: that word implies fear, anxiety, cowardice.
They did not pray as in the Prayer Jesus taught them: in the good times prepare yourselves for the spiritual battles that lie ahead. Twice he warns them. Do we sleep, ie, take things for granted when all is well? Do we begin our prayers in earnest when all falls apart? Or do we prepare beforehand by praying earnestly for those who are lost or misguided?
Do we listen to the arguments that call sin ok? We have a weapon against that which we need to use. We may not know the answers, we may not be smarter than the professors or leaders, but we do have a powerful weapon against all the forces of evil and against all the demons of hell: it is one word: Nevertheless.
The difference between Jesus who prayed and was strengthened by the Angel is different from the disciples reaction when the mob comes: it is so clear:
Jesus continues his healing ministry, loving his enemies, proclaiming the Will of God and standing with confidence, compassion, authority, and perhaps a slight bit of humor? I was with you daily, but you come in the night with armed guard to arrest a teacher? Your fear and your lies and deception are so apparent in the light of day. But this is your hour, because the Will of God will be done. I am committed to it in my life. For this cause, for this purpose I have come. Nevertheless is a strong word when backed by the Will of God.
Invitation: consider what the will of God is for your life: 2 Thess. 1:11,12:
“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NASB1995
Hebrews 5:7-9
“In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation,”
Hebrews 5:7-9 NASB1995