Not My Will, But Yours Be Done

“Praying Like Jesus” Series

• Part of being a disciple is imitating your master. That’s the heart behind our “Praying Like Jesus” series. 
• How can we learn to pray like Jesus? Follow his example, listen to his teaching, study what he prayed about, etc.

Today: Not My Will, But Yours Be Done

• Sermon Passages: Matthew 26:36-46; John 17; Mark 10:32-34; Hebrews 5:7-9.
• The sermon in one sentence: Prayer is not just about trying to change God’s mind about the future— it’s also about changing our attitude about the present.

Jesus’ Final Prayers

• The Upper Room — John 17. Jesus prays for all of us — that we would receive eternal life, be sanctified, live in unity, be protected, experience the full measure of Christ’s joy, and have God’s love fill our hearts.
• Jesus understood the power of praying for the spiritual well-being of others.
• Gethsemane — Matthew 26:36-46. Jesus prays for the strength to endure the cross.
• In people’s final moments, they focus on what matters most. Jesus focused on praying for us and praying for the strength to do God’s will.

“There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him.” –William Law

Jesus Was Clear About His Purpose in Life.

• Scripture: Mark 10:32-34. 
• Jesus knew his purpose centered around his death, burial, and resurrection.

He also shared that he was sent to… 

• Do God’s Will (John 8:42)
• Preach about the Kingdom (Mark 1:38)
• Serve Others (Matt. 20:27)
• Seek & Save the Lost (Luke 19:10)
• Fulfill Law & Prophets (Matt. 5:16)
• Die as a Ransom for us (Matt. 20:27)
• Offer us life to the full (John 10:10)

Praying in the Garden

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46

• Even though Jesus was clear on his purpose, he still wrestled with God in prayer about the anguish he was feeling.
• “Not my will, but yours be done” –Luke 22:42
• A prayer of submission. Choosing to accept God’s plan even when it doesn’t align with yours.

Jesus was so emotional that his sweat was like drops of blood (Luke 22:42). 

• It’s ok to pour out our hearts to God and express the full range of our emotions.
• God wants us to cast our anxiety on him because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Jesus prays for God’s will to be done three times.

• A short while later, Peter would deny Jesus three times. Peter was choosing comfort and safety over a bold commitment to God.
• In contrast, Jesus chose to pursue God’s will no matter what it cost him.

The Prayer of Indifference

• Some Christians have adapted Jesus’ prayer into something called “the prayer of indifference.”
• It doesn’t mean they are apathetic or they don’t care about God. It’s more about letting go of our strong opinions about what God ought to do and praying for a heart that is aligned with God’s will.
• “Lord, help me become indifferent to everything except your will.” 

Jesus was 100% committed to God’s ultimate plan and purpose.

• He wanted everyone to be saved, to come to a knowledge of the truth, and experience freedom and healing.
• He was also hoping that God could accomplish that without Jesus needing to go to the cross.
• But the thing that mattered most to Jesus was seeing God’s will be done — regardless of what it cost him.

The Blessing of the Cross

Scripture: Hebrews 5:7-9

• Jesus fervently prayed to God and was prayed for his submission.
• Because Jesus endured the cross, he became the source of salvation for everyone who obeys him.

Application:

How can we follow in Jesus’ footsteps when it comes to prayer?

• Pray for a spirit of humility and submission — Praying in the Garden
• Pray fervently for the spiritual well-being of others — Praying in the Upper Room.
• Practice the prayer of indifference (not my will, but yours be done).

Study & Reflection

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.” -Brother Lawrence

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 12:5-10, a passage about a prayer that God chose not to answer in the way Paul had wanted.

1. Most people put their best foot forward — especially on social media. They constantly try to win people’s affection or admiration by focusing on their strengths. But Paul has a different attitude. Why is Paul so focused on boasting about his weaknesses?
2. We’ll probably never know exactly what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was, but it seems to be something that troubled Paul deeply that he asked God to remove. Can you relate to that at all? Is there something in your life that you wish you could change? What is it?
3. Just like Jesus, Paul prayed for God to intervene three times. What was God’s response to Paul’s request?
4. God tells Paul that a Christian who is covered in grace might still have to endure some thorns. In your own words, how can grace and suffering coexist in a Christian’s life? 
5. What does it mean to you that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness?
6. The great theologian of our time, Garth Brooks, once sang a song that ends with the line, “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.” What do you think he meant, and are there any examples of that in your life?
7. It’s been said that adversity is a better teacher than prosperity. How have you seen that principle play out in your journey of faith?
8. What was your reaction to hearing the prayer of indifference? Have you ever struggled to let go of something that you felt strongly about?
9. Finally, is there some kind of call to action that God has placed on your heart after reading these passages and listening to this sermon?