There’s so much happening in this chapter – Jesus’ ‘last supper’ / Passover Feast, Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial of Jesus, Jesus being beaten / mocked, as well as other supporting events.
“And he… went… to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And… he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’ …And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping… and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ ” (v39-42, 45-46)
At the moment, the most impactful topic for me in this chapter is the theme “pray that you may not enter into temptation”. We can experience temptation every waking moment. These evil encouragements for us to sin and are always customized to our personal weaknesses, as if Satan is ‘knows which buttons to push’.
Jesus Himself prayed that He may not enter into temptation – He was clearly tempted to avoid sacrificing Himself on the cross. Yet, importantly, He also prayed “not my will, but yours, be done” and the Father strengthened Him.
I encourage us to pray these same prayers for deliverance from temptation, and that we be strengthened / equipped to keep God’s will. Of course these prayers must be daily / hourly / every minute, since temptations are constant, and we are weak without God’s support. Satan doesn’t take vacations, and our prayer lives shouldn’t either.
Father God, our Magnificent Lord and Holy Creator, You have blessed us so greatly. Thank you for Your persistent presence, Your Holy Spirit, that guides and protects us. Spirit please help guard us against temptation in this very moment, and please show us the Father’s will, and please strengthen us for obedience. Father may we honor, serve, and glorify You with every thought, word, and action, every day. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training