Sermon Notes...When Wine Won't Work

Mark 14:32-42 (New Living Translation) They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. 34 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 35 He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36 “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 37 Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 38 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” 39 Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before. 40 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t know what to say. 41 When he returned to them the third time, he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

Context: The Jewish Passover Seder, is an annual dinner which celebrates and remembers, the Israelite exodus from Egyptian slavery. Four glasses of wine are built into the meal's order. However, during the meal, the disciples were distressed (Mark 14:19); and after the meal, Jesus became deeply troubled and distressed/crushed with grief (verses 33-34). Sometimes, wine won't work! 

Introduction: Drinking alcohol is not sinful. Being drunk and unable to function is sinful. The latter issue is a problem that plagues us, and it deserves our attention and action. Knowing and understanding why we drink is important. Some are social drinkers, celebratory drinkers, while others are problem/depression drinkers. Drinking does not make your problems disappear...

Transition: Isn't it interesting that while drinking, and after drinking that depression didn't get lighter but heavier? The disciples heard that there was a traitor at the dinner table and while drinking, depression hits. Jesus has finished drinking four glasses of wine, he's been singing and has taken a walk, but depression hits! What do you do, When Wine Won't Work?

Exposition: Be familiar with these four principles...

-Don't make new friends (Judas is gone and isn't replaced)


-Stick to the proven place and practice (Gethsemane and prayer)

-Elevate God's design above your desire (nevertheless)

-Remember that your flesh isn't a friend to good intentions (body is weak)

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