Learning from Jesus - Pt. 20

 

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “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 again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?” (Mark 14:32-41 ESV).

 

Today’s reading makes it very easy for us to condemn the disciples. However, we have all been in such a place. They had eaten a full meal, and it had been a long day. The disciples had experienced several days that were really challenging—emotionally and physically. They were worn out and tired. Even in the cool night air, they could barely stay awake. They knew they needed be alert because Jesus has asked them to keep watch, but their eyelids were getting heavier by the moment. Soon their heads bobbed, and they were fast asleep. They didn’t plan it that way. Jesus nudges them awake and asks, “Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour?” Startled, they hear him say, “Watch and pray.” They must have nodded in agreement, feeling horrible that they hadn’t managed to stay awake. He steps away, and the heaviness settles in again. Their eyelids close. Later he wakes them again, and they don’t know what to say. Then a third time they are awakened—and now there is a crowd coming. Sleep vanishes. They look at the one who asked them to pray, and he is in the hands of his enemies!

 

Though our lives today are much different from the disciples’, the need for staying alert and praying is not. Our world needs our attention, and the Lord is calling us to stand watch. It is encouraging to know that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father, praying for us (cf. Romans 8:34), but today he still needs us to do the same for his world and for all God’s children in it. Stay alert!