JESUS TEACHES US THAT PRAYING IS PREPARING:

1. Prepare to face what is in your path.

a. Luke 22:46 Then He said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation."

b. Prayer is not only reaction—it is preparation.

c. Jesus knew that prayer strengthens the spirit before the test arrives.

JESUS TEACHES US THAT PRAYING IS PREPARING:

2. Prepare so you will handle betrayal rightly.

a. Luke 22:47-48 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. [48] But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

b. We see a contrast here that is important to notice.

c. Prayer prepares your heart so betrayal does not turn into bitterness.

d. Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

e. 1 Peter 2:21-23 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: [22] "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; [23] who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

f. The disciples who slept were unprepared, but Jesus who prayed stood firm.

JESUS TEACHES US THAT PRAYING IS PREPARING:

3. Prepare to stay close to Jesus.

a. Luke 22:54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed at a distance.

b. Peter thought he was strong.

c. Are we honest enough with ourselves about our own weakness?

d. Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

e. This is a warning about spiritual overconfidence.

f. 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

g. Luke 22:55-60 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. [56] And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, "This man was also with Him." [57] But he denied Him, saying, "Woman, I do not know Him." [58] And after a little while another saw him and said, "You also are of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not!" [59] Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean." [60] But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

h. Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.

i. Two ways we remember Jesus’ words:

j. Doing wrong and feeling conviction.

k. Luke 22:61-62 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." [62] So Peter went out and wept bitterly.

l. Listening to the Holy Spirit.

m. John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

n. Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.

o. We should purpose in our hearts never to distance ourselves from Jesus when pressure comes.

p. Luke 22:63-65 Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. [64] And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?" [65] And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him.

JESUS TEACHES US THAT PRAYING IS PREPARING:

4. Prepare to give an answer for who Jesus is.

a. Luke 22:66-70 As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying, [67] "If You are the Christ, tell us." But He said to them, "If I tell you, you will by no means believe. [68] And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. [69] Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God." [70] Then they all said, "Are You then the Son of God?" So He said to them, "You rightly say that I am."

b. Jesus affirms His identity as the Son of God and the Son of Man.

c. 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

d. As a Christ follower, be ready for what may come your way.

e. Matthew 10:32 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.