Gen. 1:27, 5:1-2 God created man in His image: male and female

Much mystery, delicacy and sanctity surrounds God’s institution of marriage and Mothers (Eph. 5:31-32)

Mothers show a WONDERFUL aspect of God’s character expressed in His creation (Romans 1:20) – and ultimately in His Final Word – His SON Jesus (Who is also God)! (Hebrews 1:2)

The self-sacrificing role of Mothers flies in the face of modern ‘survivalism’, so-called evolution, “me first”-ness

James 1:18 says God chose to give us New Birth as His Firstfruits, consecrated to Him

Rev. 12 – the woman in the wilderness (Israel) gives birth to a child (the Church)

1 Tim. 2:15 – women are ‘saved through the divine Child-bearing’

Happy Mother’s Day!

34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killer of prophets, abuser of the messengers of God! How often I’ve longed to gather your children, gather your children like a hen, Her brood safe under her wings

— but you refused and turned away! – Jesus in Luke 13

41 As He approached and saw the city, He wept over it, 42 saying,

“If you knew this day what would bring peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come on you when your enemies … crush you and your children within you, not leaving one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

- Jesus in Luke 19

He Voluntarily Suffered: Be Grateful

Lesson Passages:Luke 22: 14-22, 39-46, 63-65

Background Passage:

Luke 19: 28 – 22: 65

14 …and when the hour came he took his place, with the apostles beside him. 15 He said to them, "I have longed eagerly to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, 16 for I tell you I will never eat the passover again till the fulfilment of it in the Reign of God.“ 17 And he took a cup which was handed to him, gave thanks to God and said, "Take this and distribute it among yourselves, 18 for I tell you I will never drink the produce of the vine again till such time as God's Reign comes."19 Then he took a loaf, and after thanking God he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This means my body given up for your sake; do this in memory of me."20 So too he gave them the cup after supper, saying, "This cup means the new covenant ratified by my blood shed for your sake. What does / did Passover mean (remember?)

The passing over of the death angel at a final judgment on Egypt, that freed Israel’s descendants from horrible slavery.One of few festivals commanded to be held each year: a lamb was slain and a meal of remembrance shared.

Jesus was THIS Meal in the foretold New Covenant of GREAT Deliverance! Why didn’t He share in it? Consider Nazarite vows, yet to be fulfilled

Suffering in Anticipation (Luke 22: 14-20) [Moffatt]

21 But the hand of my betrayer is on the table beside me! 22 The Son of man moves to his end, indeed as it has been decreed, but woe to the man by whom he is betrayed!“ …39 … … Then he went outside and made his way to the Hill of Olives, as he was accustomed. The disciples followed him, 40 and when he reached the spot he said to them, "Pray that you may not slip into temptation." …45 … … Then rising from prayer he went to the disciples, only to find them asleep from sheer sorrow. 46 He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not slip into temptation.“

:21-22 Betrayed with a flattering kiss, by a 3-year follower, whom Jesus had loved – though a slandering thief. Yet Christ had chosen Him. How could Jesus keep loving this person? God desired that. Could we?

:39-40, :45-46 What token (at times) followers! Jesus had asked them to pray for Him; now He warned them to pray for themselves. Jesus was caring for THEM! Does God ever find us “drowsy in prayer”, or in grief – weighed down to

the point of being unproductive for Him?

Only God in Christ (the Son of Man) could accomplish His WILL PERFECTLY – praying for all of us to follow Him Perfectly!

2. Suffering Disappointment (Luke 22:21-22,39-40,45-46) [Moffatt]

41 He withdrew about a stone's throw and knelt in prayer, 42 saying, "Father, if it please thee, take this cup away from me. But thy will, not mine, be done.“ 43 [And an angel from heaven appeared to strengthen him;44 he fell into an agony and prayed with greater intensity, his sweat dropping to the ground like clots of blood.]

:21 Completely alone by the disciples. They couldn’t fathom – nor can we!

The submission of kneeling. To whom? Was Jesus asking God for strength only? No, asking God for us – as apostle Paul shared of his Christian life: 14 On account of this, I bend my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that He may grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner person, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith… -- Eph. 3

:43-44 Jesus prayed in agony over us ALL, to pay our ransom & save us eternal Death. Hebrews 5 says: 7 who in the days of His flesh offered up both prayers and supplications, with loud crying and tears, to the One Who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard as a result of His reverence. 8 Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered, 9 and being perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him..”

3. Suffering Great Stress (Luke 22:41-44) [Moffatt]

63 Meantime the men who had Jesus in custody flogged him and made fun of him; 64 blindfolding him they would ask him, "Prophesy, tell us who struck you?"65 And many another insult they uttered against him.Prescription for Christian Apathy: See The Passion.

As Pilate said to the Gentile world: “Behold the man!... I find no fault in Him.” Jesus was and is, in His Passion, absolutely winsome. Could we do that? NO WAY.

Suffering to save us thru persecutions: He took it all in stride.

He even prophecied to the women of Jerusalem on the way to Golgotha, after having been flogged, and while stumbling with His cross (Lk. 23:27-31)

The unknowing Gentile world will be hard to face – BUT God has been there before you!

Behold this Man! God was/is TOTALLY pleased with His being sacrificed (Isaiah 53:10, it pleased Him to crush Him. From Hebrews 5: 1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in things relating to God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to exercise gentleness and forbearance toward the ignorant and erring, since He himself also is liable to moral weakness and physical infirmity.

Jesus is HERE NOW to HELP US – for REAL !!

4. Suffering Humiliation (Luke 22:63-65)

Hallelujah (Praise God)!

What a Savior!

“If I am lifted up, I will draw ALL men unto Me.”

– John 12:32

For while we were still helpless – at the proper time – Christ died for the

ungodly. – Romans 5:6

(Backups)