This dense chapter contains many accounts of Jesus’ final day(s) including His anointing with expensive perfume, a Passover meal and last supper with the disciples, prophesy of His betrayal by Judas and denial by Peter, His arrest and ‘trial’, and Peter’s denial. There’s a lot happening here.
“And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray… Remain here and watch.’ And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed… ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’ And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ …And he came the third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come.’ ” (v32, 34-38, 41 abr)
‘Watch’, ‘pray’, ‘be on guard’, ‘wait on me’, ‘avoid temptation’, ‘not my will but Yours be done’. These are some of the phrases that come to mind when reading this passage. Jesus is teaching us, like His first disciples, that we have duties and responsibilities when we choose to follow Him. We are no longer under the ‘do what’s right in your own eyes’ law of the world, but we are under His command, and there are expectations we need to meet.
Of course, we will fail to meet His expectations, because “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”. That’s why Christ’s blood shed for us, and the loving forgiveness of the Father are crucial. Those blessings, combined with the indwelling Holy Spirit, can help us surpass God’s expectations.
Still seem impossible? It is without God’s help. Let’s not judge the disciples for falling asleep, because we are just like them. Let’s partner with the Spirit and move forward with following Jesus, even when we stumble along the way. These same disciples who faltered in the garden, later helped build a global church. Let’s never give up on ourselves, because Jesus / God / the Spirit are with us, and all things are possible through them.
Father God, our Supportive and Loving Lord, You are steadfast and provide many blessings for us. Thank you for forgiving us, and for Jesus’ sacrifice. Thank you for being patient with us, though we falter and deny You. Thank you for persevering in teaching us, though we are slow to learn. We praise You for who You are, and all You do, each and every day, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training