Delayed Gratification – Bishop T.D. Jakes

Let’s dive into the Gospel of Saint Luke, chapter 22, verses 42 through 51, and then we’ll continue from verse 55 through 62. We’ll use the King James Version, not for any special reason other than our mutual appreciation for its timeless language—the language many of us grew up with. Turn now to Luke 22:42-51.

As you enter this passage, you step into the most intense, overwhelming, and stressful moment of Jesus Christ’s life. The powers of darkness are aligned against Him; the legions of hell have united for this pivotal moment. At this juncture, everything Jesus has done, everything He represents, is on trial. Even His closest disciples, standing nearby, begin to falter under the enormous pressure and the high stakes of the moment.

This passage is significant not only because it details the historical circumstances leading to the crucifixion but also because there’s a deeper spiritual message within this familiar story designed to strengthen and edify the church today. I genuinely believe God intends to answer someone’s questions through this scripture.

So, listen closely, with open hearts and minds, believing God has brought you here this morning to speak directly to you—as a loving father speaks to his child by a comforting fire—to make you spiritually stronger, richer, and better in Him.

Luke 22:42-51 (KJV): “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” An angel appeared from heaven, strengthening Him. Jesus, deeply troubled, prayed even more fervently. Agony demands earnest prayer. Sometimes, God allows pain to bring you to earnest prayer because, without pain, we might never truly seek Him passionately.

“And being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, ‘Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.'”

Prayer serves as a powerful safeguard against temptation. A vibrant prayer life helps you avoid certain temptations, delivering you from evil.

“And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, ‘Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?'”

The highest form of betrayal is one masked by intimacy. Judas used his closeness to Jesus as an opportunity for betrayal, showcasing it shamelessly to his conspirators.

“When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, ‘Lord, shall we smite with the sword?’ And one of them smote the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, ‘Suffer ye thus far.’ And he touched his ear and healed him.”

Verses 55-62: “And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.” Consider Peter’s position—previously aggressive, now quietly sitting with the same people who had opposed Jesus.

“But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, ‘This man was also with him.’ And he denied him, saying, ‘Woman, I know him not.'”

Shortly after, another recognized him and accused, “Thou art also of them.” Peter responded adamantly, “Man, I am not.”

Approximately one hour later, another confidently affirmed his recognition of Peter, highlighting Peter’s deep internal conflict, denial, and the intense pressure he faced in this critical moment.

Through these powerful verses, God is speaking clearly to us today, encouraging earnest prayer, steadfast faith, and spiritual vigilance in the face of life’s toughest trials.