"Learning to Trust"
Mark 14:43-52
Big Idea: Following Jesus is a challenging path requiring faith, submission, and adjusted expectations.

I. Jesus in Control (vv. 43-50)
A) From Jesus's perspective, things unfolded exactly as they were supposed to (v. 49). This doesn't remove the sting of the betrayal or the pain of the disciple's abandonment. It does remind us, however, of God's hand in history and our need to trust Him in it (v. 49)
B) In Jesus's reaction to this situation, we see:
1. His submission - Despite betrayal, false arrest, and abandonment, Jesus submits to the plan of redemption
2. His strength - Jesus didn't lash out, lose His cool, or assert His power (cf. Matt. 26:53); He is in control
3. His love - What is it that drove Jesus to the cross? His love (cf. Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8)
C) Jesus was betrayed by Judas and abandoned by His disciples, yet He pressed forward seeing greater things ahead (cf. Heb. 12:2-3). What can we learn from this?

II. Learning to Trust (vv. 43-52)
A) From the disciple's perspective, Jesus's arrest was either a course correction (Judas), or a travesty of justice that needed confrontation (Peter). What it became was an opportunity to see and trust God's plan of redemption (cf. Acts 2:22-24)
B) In the disciple's reaction to this situation, we see:
1. A focus on self (Judas)
2. A response of anger (Peter)
3. A state of panic (the disciples)
C) How often do react as the disciples did if things don't go as we want or anticipate? What we can do is learn from their example and learn to trust in God's plan, His power, and in His provision