Scattered Sheep (Mark 14:26-31 (Luke 22:31-34))

July 18 2010

I.     Worship: keep the right focus, v. 26.
A.     Jesus and the disciples sang before leaving the upper room.
     1.     Passover traditionally used Psalms 113-118.
     2.     Jesus worshipped despite the upcoming suffering.
     3.     Consider what Jesus sang about:
          a.     God's glory and faithfulness, Psalm 115:1.
          b.     God listens to our cries for help, Psalm 116:1.
          c.     God's faithful love lasts forever, Psalm 118:1.
          d.     God provides strength for trouble, Psalm 118:6.
          e.     God gives life, Psalm 118:17.
          f.     The cornerstone of salvation, Psalm 118:22.
     4.     Jesus' focus was on God, not Himself.
B.     Worship helps us look beyond ourselves to God.
     1.     Worship can happen under any circumstances.
     2.     Worship reminds us Who is in control.
     3.     Worship reminds us Who we belong to.

II.     Warning: listen to instruction, vv. 27-31
     A.     Jesus warned the disciples what was about to happen.
          1.     Everyone would desert Jesus.
          2.     Peter spoke for the whole group.
               a.     They would never desert Jesus.
               b.     They would give their lives for Jesus.
          3.     Peter would fall worse than the others.
     B.     Jesus' message is for us today.
          1.     Life does not do what we expect.
          2.     Faith has extreme challenges.
          3.     Jesus is always with us and always faithful, v. 28.

III.     Encouragement: don't give up, Luke 22:31-34.
     A.     Jesus was honest and direct with Peter.
          1.     Satan had personally targeted Peter.
          2.     Jesus did not stop Satan's attack.
     B.     Jesus prayed for Peter.
          1.     For his faith not to fail.
          2.     For him to turn back to God after faltering.
          3.     For him to strengthen the other disciples.
     C.     Jesus prays for us like He did for Peter.
          1.     We are not protected from all attacks/temptations.
          2.     He helps us maintain spiritual strength.
          3.     He wants us to encourage and help each other.

Personal Challenges
1.     Do you need encouragement to stand firm in faith?
a.     Read Psalms 115-118. Keep in mind that Jesus sang these while just a few hours     away from being crucified.
b.     Read Psalms 115-118 again. Consider that God wrote theses psalms for you. What do they say to you?
2.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?