Peter in the Garden--A different first person sermon

November 1, 2001

In this month of November, I am sharing a different kind of sermon. The last several months I have been sharing sermons that are different in delivery. Last month was a first person sermon, "The Street Sweeper" and it was suggested the pastor dress in costume. The month before was, September, was a sermon on the Psalm 23 where I shared the exegesis from the pulpit.

This month the sermon at the beginning is seen through the eyes of Peter as Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane. I would not dress up, but have the congregation imagine that you are Peter. Then you will proceed into the sermon and preach it as you would normally.

Keeping Watch in the Garden Matthew 26:36-46

Grace and Peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.

I would like you to close your eyes and imagine that one of the characters in our lesson this evening is going to speak to you. Imagine him sitting in the garden, half asleep, trying with all of his might to stay awake, but every now and then nodding off to sleep.

You can hear his the words in his mind as he mulls over the events that have led up to this moments, and what he think about the prayer Jesus is saying as he hears tiny bits and pieces.

Peter is thinking: "I can't stay awake. I want to but it has been a long day, hey a long week. Jesus is speaking about strange things, death, betrayal, and then he let that woman anoint him with oil when we could have sold it for a lot of money."

"My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." He said his soul is sorrowful even unto death!! Death!! But I thought he was the Messiah, the one who would lead us to victory. Judas and I have spoken about that at great length. The Messiah is the one that will bring us out of this bondage of the Romans and deliver us into our land once again."

" I just don't understand."

"I can hear part of Jesus' prayer and He is saying:'"My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt."

"See he doesn't want to die, but then he says not my will but yours Father. God wants Jesus to die?? I can't stay awake.!!!"

"What, oh Jesus, sorry I just nodded off.

He is upset saying to me: Peter "So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the

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