JESUS' PRAYER ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES

Luke 22:39-62

Key Verse: 22:42

* JESUS PRAYS BEFORE THE CUP OF SUFFERING (39-46)

1. Why did Jesus usually go to the Mount of Olives? (Mt 26:36; Mk 14:32) What does this reveal about him? This time, what instructions did he give his disciples? Why?

2. What was Jesus' attitude toward God in prayer? What was his prayer topic? What did he mean by "this cup"? What does this tell us about Jesus?

3. Why did he say, "if you are willing"? Why did he struggle between "my will" and "your will"? What was the decision which he had to make? What can we learn from him about decision-making and prayer?

4. What shows the intensity of his spiritual struggle in prayer? (43,44) Why did Jesus, the Son of God, struggle so much?

5. What were the disciples doing while Jesus prayed? Why? What did he say to them? What does this reveal about him? About them?

* JESUS ARRESTED (47-53)

6. Who led the arresters? What did Jesus say to him? (Why "Son of Man"?) In what way were Jesus' words a warning to him? (69; 9:26) What is the irony of the kiss?

7. How did the other disciples react? Why and how did Jesus restrain them? What did he teach those who arrested him?' Contrast their way and his. What does this show about them?

* PETER DENIES JESUS (54-62)

8. Where was Jesus taken? What did Peter do? What was in Peter's heart and on his mind? What was he doing while Jesus was on trial before the high priest?

9. Who recognized Peter first and what did she say? What was Peter's response? To whom did he deny Jesus again? What did the third person recognize about him? Why did Peter deny Jesus? (41,46,50,54,55)

10. When did Peter remember Jesus' words? (34) How did Jesus encourage Peter? What did his look mean? (61; 31-34; Mt 16:18)