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  MARK 14:26
  by Chuck Smith
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Summary: Jesus prepares His disciples for the scattering that will occur
when He is arrested, but also shows them His great patience and love.

Topics: "The Good Shepherd", "Forsakenness"
Scripture References: Psalm 23:1-3, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:26, Luke 22:46, John 10:11, Romans 8:38-39, 1 Corinthians 15:57, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 5:4

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DESCRIPTION
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Chuck Smith preaches on Mark 14:26, focusing on the theme of being
forsaken by man as Jesus prepares for His crucifixion. He highlights the
prophecy of Zechariah regarding the smiting of the Shepherd and the
scattering of the sheep, illustrating the disciples' false security and
their failure to stay awake and pray. Despite their shortcomings, Jesus
demonstrates patience and love, reminding them of the ultimate victory
through resurrection. Smith emphasizes that even in our weakness and
moments of denial, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, remains faithful and
watches over us.

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CONTENT
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"FORSAKEN BY MAN"

Intro: VS. 26 Sung a hymn, traditional Ps. 113-118 the last stanza
ringing

still in ears. "Jehovah is God, who has given us light, bind the

sacrifice with cords even unto the horns of the alter. Thou art My

God I will praise thee, thou art my God I will exalt thee. O give

thanks unto the Lord for His mercy endureth forever."

I. THE SMITING OF THE SHEPHERD.

A. Jesus told them what was to happen.

1. "All of you shall be offend" (skandelon) stumbled -Why?

because the scripture says in Zech 13:7- "I will smite

the Shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered."

a. The smiting of the Shepherd will cause the

scattering of the sheep.

2. Here is what was to happen to Him and to them.

B. They objected to what Jesus said.

C. They then arrived at the Mt. of Olives. Observe His communion

with the Father and cooperation.

1. Suggestion that Jesus was shrinking from task.

(1. Communion of highest order.

(2. The soul can say everything to God. confess fears, doubts, desires.

(3. God hates to hear us sing songs of submission when heart hot in

rebellion.

a. Here He speaks of His shrinking and submission

1. Father, if it be possible.. remove..

b. This is perfect communion -I can go no closer,

the light is too bright.

II. THE SCATTERING OF THE SHEEP "THEY ALL FORSOOK HIM"

A. First evidence is false security that they felt.

1. Peter said, "I will not deny thee" and he meant it

sincere. He never said a finer thing.

a. We tend to criticize him and rebuke him.

b. Jesus was not angry.

c. All the disciples said the same thing.

2. Here we see personal devotion to Jesus Christ and

confidence in the power of their will to carry it out.

B. Second evidence sleeping when they should be praying!

1. The physical failure was the result of mental dullness.

Had the realized events transpiring.

a. Spirit is "willing" not strong.

2. The mental dullness due to spiritual weakness.

C. Third evidence of scattering when awakened Peter drew sword and

began to swing.

1. Zeal without knowledge.

2. The drawn sword not sign of bravery but fear.

a. Jesus had gone beyond and was resting now in

the full commitment to the Father's will.

D. Then came the flight "They all forsook Him and fled."

1. They could not help this. It was fulfillment of

scripture.

2. It is easier to bear the cross this side of the

resurrection.

a. Peter later writes of "living" "hope by

resurrection"

b. Hope was not dead, it took resurrection.

III. OBSERVE NOW OUR LORD WITH SHEEP SOON TO BE SCATTERED.

A. He prepared them by telling them.

1. Showed them in scriptures.

2. When it happened they would remember.

3. But He also spoke to them of ultimate victory of

resurrection.

B. His great patience with them when He found them asleep.

1. Could you not watch with Me one hour?

C. Beauty in third time He came and found them asleep "sleep on

now."

1. Not said sarcastically.

2. How long they slept we do not know.

3. He sat there and watched over them, as they slept.

D. What a beautiful shepherd. I may be weak and even deny Him, but

He loves me and will bring me through. My Good Shepherd.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/chuck-smith/mark-1426/
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