Bible Study: Surrendering to God – A Holy Week Reflection
Scripture Focus: Matthew 26:36–46 (NLT)
"Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, 'Sit here while I go over there to pray.' He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, 'My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'”
1. Introduction: The Path to the Cross
On Palm Sunday, Jesus was welcomed with cheers and celebration, riding into Jerusalem as King. But His path led not to a throne of gold, but to the Garden of Gethsemane—and ultimately the cross. As we enter Holy Week, we examine how Jesus surrendered everything to the Father’s will.
2. Four Areas of Surrender
Based on Luke 10:27 and Christ’s example, we’re called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength—and in doing so, to surrender each of these to Him.
Surrendering Our Mind – Trusting God’s Truth
Jesus knew exactly what would happen to Him. In Matthew 26:20–24, He openly acknowledged the betrayal to come. He surrendered His knowledge to the Father’s plan.
Reflection: Are there truths in God’s Word you find hard to accept or trust? Have you surrendered your reasoning to God’s truth, even when it challenges your thinking?
Surrendering Our Heart – Yielding Our Desires
Twice, Jesus prayed, “If it is possible, let this cup pass...yet not my will, but yours.” He surrendered His desires and feelings to the Father’s will (Matt. 26:39, 42).
Reflection: Are there desires of your heart that compete with God’s will? Are you willing to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done”?
Surrendering Our Body – Living in Obedience
When the guards came to arrest Him, Jesus did not resist. Though He had the power to stop it, He surrendered His body in obedience (Matt. 26:47–54).
Reflection: How are you using your strength and your body for God’s purpose? Is there a step of obedience God is calling you to take?
Surrendering Our Soul – Trusting Eternally
As He gave His last breath, Jesus said, “Father, I entrust my spirit into Your hands” (Luke 23:46). In full surrender, He committed His soul to the Father.
Reflection: Have you fully entrusted your life and eternity to Jesus? Are you living with the assurance that your soul belongs to Him?
3. Application – What Have You Yet to Surrender?
We often surrender in some areas but hold back in others. Are you still struggling to surrender your heart, mind, body, or soul? Christ surrendered all to accomplish God’s will—what do you need to lay down today?
Take Action: Write a prayer of surrender this week. Ask God to help you release any area you’re still holding onto.
4. Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who surrendered His mind, heart, body, and soul for our salvation. Help us to follow His example—to trust You fully, to obey You fully, and to love You fully. May our lives reflect complete surrender to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Next Week: The Resurrection – Victory Over Death Join us for a special Easter Sunday Bible Study as we celebrate Christ’s victory!