1. Today’s Scripture: Morning Message: Mark 14:26-36
“The Time of Trouble”
Mark 14:37-52

2. Mark 14: CEB
37 Jesus came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you stay alert for one hour? 38  Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak.”
39 Again, he left them and prayed, repeating the same words. 40 And, again, when he came back, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open, and they didn’t know how to respond to him. 
41 He came a third time and said to them, “Will you sleep and rest all night? That’s enough!

3. Mark 14: CEB
The time has come for the Human One to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42  Get up! Let’s go! Look, here comes my betrayer.”
43 Suddenly, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came with a mob carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests, legal experts, and elders.44 His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss, and take him away under guard.”
45 As soon as he got there, Judas said to Jesus, “Rabbi!” Then he kissed him. 46 Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

4. Mark 14: CEB
47 One of the bystanders drew a sword and struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear. 
48 Jesus responded, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me, like an outlaw? 49  Day after day, I was with you, teaching in the temple, but you didn’t arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” 
50 And all his disciples left him and ran away. 51 One young man, a disciple, was wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They grabbed him, 52 but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.

5. Five Standard Jewish Prayers
Jesus taught us to pray
Abba, Father God:
Help us to honor you.
Your kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us the bread we need for today.
Forgive us as we forgive others.
Save us in the time of trouble and deliver us from the evil one.

8. Jesus knew what his sentence would be

9. Jesus knew what was coming for his followers,
who were his friends.

10. The time of trouble that Jesus and his followers faced is a case study in
what not to do
and what to do
in the time of trouble.

11. “The spirit is eager but the flesh is weak.”

12. “The spirit is eager but the flesh is weak.”
God makes you eager but your shortcomings make you weak.

13. “The trouble that’s coming will be too much for you.
Get ready to fall short.”

14. The first mistake Jesus’ friends make is to contradict Jesus when he is being honest about their shortcomings.

15. at the time of trial and testing.”
“Stay alert and pray
so you won’t give in
at the time of trial and testing.”

16. The problem many of us have is that we recite the prayer Jesus gave us but we don’t pray the prayer.
We don’t pray the way Jesus taught us until we are in the middle of a time of trouble.

17. There never is a right time to stop being alert.
There never is a right time to stop praying,
“Save us in the time of trouble and deliver us from the evil one.”

18. Along with his warnings Jesus expressed his love,
“No matter what happens.
No matter had badly you fail.
Come back to me.”

19. Jesus is very matter of fact about what he expects will happen.

20. Jesus is very matter of fact about what he expects will happen.
Jesus is very open about asking for support from his friends. Jesus is very clear about what his friends can do for him

21. Jesus is very matter of fact about what he expects will happen.
Jesus is very open about asking for support from his friends. Jesus is very clear about what his friends can do for him
Jesus is very open about how he feels.

22. Jesus is very matter of fact about what he expects will happen.
Jesus is very open about asking for support from his friends. Jesus is very clear about what his friends can do for him
Jesus is very open about how he feels.
Jesus is open and honest with God.

23. Jesus is very matter of fact about what he expects will happen.
Jesus is very open about asking for support from his friends. Jesus is very clear about what his friends can do for him
Jesus is very open about how he feels.
Jesus is open and honest with God.
Jesus finds resolve. Jesus makes his choice.

24. When facing a time of trouble:
Remember God is the source of strength. God can make us eager to face the test.
Be honest about our weaknesses. Don’t reject the wise person who can help you see your shortcomings. Be prepared to fall short.
Stay alert and pray before trouble comes.
Don’t lash out when you can pray. Don’t run when you can pray.
Try to calm down and be matter of fact about what can happen, about how bad things can get.

25. When facing a time of trouble:
Ask for support from friends and try to be specific about what they can do. Jesus asked his friends to “Stay and pray.”
Be open with your friends about how bad you feel.
Be open with God. You don’t want to suffer. It’s okay to ask if there is another way.
After having it out with God, let God help you find resolve to make your choice to do what has to be done, to stand up and say, “Okay, let’s go.”