The Power Of A Little Further

This summary and strategic rewrite draws upon a message by Pastor Jentezen Franklin, emphasizing the biblical principle that spiritual breakthroughs and deeper encounters with God often occur just beyond the limits of human comfort and routine. Using the story of Jesus in Gethsemane, the message challenges believers to move past complacency and pursue radical devotion.

The Mandate: Beyond Comfort to Breakthrough

The core thesis of the message is encapsulated in the single phrase describing Jesus’s action in the Garden of Gethsemane: “He went a little further”. This act of pushing past the normal, comfortable stopping point is the key to experiencing divine power and fulfilling God’s will.

The message encourages listeners who are seeking more purpose, peace, and significance in life, stating that Jesus is the answer and their mission is simply to point people to Him.

The Setting: Gethsemane and the Comfortable Place

The setting for this pivotal moment was the Garden of Gethsemane, located on the Mount of Olives, a large area consisting of acres and acres. Jesus and His disciples came to a “place”—a specific location they were accustomed to using. This was a “comfortable place” and a “normal place,” likely offering shade, perfect for camping and resting.

Jesus instructed His disciples, “Sit here while I pray”. But for Himself, He demonstrated the necessary action for breakthrough: “He went a little further”.

The Stretch: Leaving the Normal Behind

Mark 14:35 states, “He went a little further and he fell on the ground and prayed”. Luke 22:41 gives more detail, saying “He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw”.

• The Definition of “A Stone’s Throw”: One translation suggests this distance is comparable to the pitch of a softball.
• The Move Beyond Comfort: This withdrawal signified moving “beyond the comfortable, the normal” routine they had established.

It was only when Jesus went this distance that “He was met by God at a powerful and perhaps the most powerful moment that could happen in that garden”. In this place of deep distress, where His soul was “exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death,” Jesus prayed, “Abba Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me; nevertheless, not what I will but your will”.

Biblical Models of Going a Little Further

The Bible is full of examples where individuals accessed miracles or a deeper relationship with God by demonstrating a willingness to go beyond what was required or comfortable.

Model 1: Compelling Jesus (The Storm at Sea)

In Mark chapter 6, the disciples were in a raging storm and “perishing” when Jesus came walking on the water. The Scripture notes a crucial detail: “He would have passed them by”.

• The Test of Urgency: Even though Jesus knew they desperately needed help, He was testing them.
• The Response: It was not until the disciples were compelled to cry out to Him with urgency and passion that Jesus turned, came back, boarded their boat, and delivered them, causing the wind to cease. Breakthrough required them to “go a little further and cry out”.

Model 2: The Extra Step of Gratitude (The Ten Lepers)

Jesus instructed ten lepers, “Go show yourselves to the priest and you’ll be healed”. Their healing was not instantaneous; it was a progressive thing that happened “somewhere in that journey”.

• External vs. Internal Healing: Ten men received a miraculous healing—their lives and families were restored. However, only one man turned back to Jesus.
• Going Further for Wholeness: The returning leper expressed thanks with a “loud voice” (Greek word mega voice). Jesus questioned, “Where are the nine?” He was shocked that the others did not grasp the “power of going a little bit further”.
• The Reward: Because the one man returned, Jesus said, “Be thou made whole”. The first healing was visible on the outside, but the second step—returning in gratitude—secured “inner healing of emotions and trauma and all kinds of issues that that disease had triggered in his life”.

Model 3: Cleaving Over Kissing (Ruth and Naomi)

The story of Ruth and Naomi illustrates the difference between casual commitment and radical devotion. When Naomi decided to leave Moab (a place of famine and death) to return to Bethlehem (House of Bread) and Judea (Praise), both daughters-in-law were faced with a choice.

• Kissing (Temporary): Orpa kissed her mother-in-law goodbye and left.
• Cleaving (Committing): Ruth “cleaved” to Naomi, declaring, “Entreat me not to leave you; where you go I will go, and your people will be my people, and your God will be my God”. Ruth was willing to go further, holding on tighter in the famine than ever before.
• The Reward of Commitment: Ruth was not serving Naomi for what she could give her or save her from, but because she saw God in her. Ruth, a Moabitess who worshipped idols, went from gleaning “leftovers” in the field to marrying the owner of the field, Boaz (a wealthy, blessed man).
• The Lesson for the Church: The analogy is drawn for modern believers: “If you’re just dating Jesus”—seeing Him once a week at church—you will “never enter into the field of grace” God has for you. The breakthrough comes when you stop dating and “marry him”.

The message is also used to encourage young men to step out of the basement, get off the internet, and actively seek a godly, dedicated wife to build a home, countering a shortage of committed, real men.

Model 4: Choosing Presence Over Possessions (Queen Esther)

Queen Esther was faced with a critical moment to save the Jews from annihilation decreed by Haman. Esther declared, “I’ve got to go further”.

• The Risk: Approaching the King without being summoned was punishable by death unless the King extended the scepter.
• The Strategy: Esther called for a three-day fast for deliverance, demonstrating a willingness to go the extra spiritual distance.
• The Ultimate Choice: After the fast and meticulous preparation, the King was so moved by her presence that he offered her “up to half the kingdom”. Esther refused the material wealth twice, instead requesting only to “have communion” with the King.
• The Result: She chose the King’s presence, favor, and authority over wealth and riches. This choice won the King’s heart and resulted in the King destroying Haman and elevating Esther like never before.