(Read Matthew 14)
Lack of sleep causes all kinds of problems. It has been attributed to health issues, including impaired cognitive function, mood disturbances, weakened immune systems, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances. U.S. General David Petraeus is said to only get four hours of sleep daily through multiple catnaps. That’s worse than me. It might work for him, but it’s not a recommended regimen for good health for most people. For most, it leads to poor choices.
He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?
Mark 14:34-37
Following the Last Supper, Jesus, aware of his impending future, summoned his closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, to accompany him in the Garden of Gethsemane. There in the Garden, Jesus foresaw the anguish, humiliation, and separation from God that awaited Him. He knew that the most intense physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering ever experienced by a human being in the history of the Earth was about to be unleashed upon Him. In this moment of intense distress, Jesus sought the company of His dear friends, asking them to “watch” with Him. Derived from the Greek root “gregorio,” this term meant attentively being present to avert disaster.
What would you do if your best friend was going through any trial and asked you to be with them? They’re not asking for your advice to fix their problems; they only want your presence. What would your response be? “Of course, we’ll be right there.” But in Gethsemane, Peter, James, and John illustrated the flawed nature of mankind perfectly. Jesus was sweating blood from feeling the torment of the wrath of God, and they fell asleep.
To make a point, Jesus even reverted to calling Peter by his old name, “Simon.” By singling him out, Jesus highlighted the contrast between Peter’s overconfident bravado of loyalty with his inability to stay awake and pray during the crucial moment of a loving friend. Jesus gently rebuked them all as a symbol of the importance of prayer and vigilance, especially during testing and spiritual challenges.
Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Mark 14:39-41
Jesus knew that whether His disciples watched with Him or not, they couldn’t prevent the crucifixion. Christ would go to the Cross alone. Jesus’ desire for Peter, James, and John to watch with Him went deeper than mere companionship; He wanted His three closest friends to develop the strength of faith to endure for their own sakes.
While reading Mark 14 text this week, I wasn’t struck as much by their inability to stay awake with Jesus; it was more about their failure to deliver on their promises. They were regular people who were fatigued at night and needed sleep. They too, were under a lot of stress and uncertainty, but it was their claims of equality with Jesus in one moment and their predictable inability to rise to the occasion in the next that stood out to me. In verse 29, Peter declared, “Even though they fall away, I will not.” Later, all three disciples claimed even at the point of death, they would not deny Christ. The disciples were not only incapable of their promises, they were also not capable of staying awake for their friend’s last night of life.
It’s not as if the disciples intentionally deserted Jesus. In their hearts, they would stand with Christ in His most agonizing moments of need. Our hearts are the same way. We know what’s the right thing to say and do. In our heads, our vows puff us up, make us feel more devoted than we are, and give us a sense of elevated righteousness. We’re not as good as we think, but not as bad either.
‘The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’
Matthew 26:41
There is a profound and timeless truth about the human condition and the struggle between the desires of the spirit and the limitations of the flesh. It’s a good sign when our spirit is willing. It shows hope and faith. But on the other hand, spirit vs. flesh is also a battle of willingness vs. weakness. Within each believer is a spirit that is willing to do what is right, to be faithful, and to obey God. Unfortunately, the “flesh” refers to our broken bodies, desires, and weaknesses. How does Jesus respond to His disciples’ failings? How does He respond when our best intentions fall short? Not with scoldings but with examples.
Jesus’ life portrayed the necessity of prayer and reliance on God’s strength and guidance. With God’s help, we can overcome and grow in our faith and use it to get a leg up on the ongoing struggle between spirit and flesh. Jesus could make promises because He could and would keep them. We’re a different story. We need to work more on what we can do and less on what we say we’ll do. We aren’t built to be perfect or withstand worldly weakness and temptation. But we were designed to want to help, build up, encourage, and love.
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Hebrews 3:13
As believers, we are commanded to encourage each other every single day. The Christian journey is not meant to be a solo one. A supportive and loving faith community gives believers the encouragement and accountability needed to stay on the right path. The writer of Hebrews used the word ‘today’ to underscore the urgency of this encouragement.
A good friend of mine serves as a youth counselor at our church’s summer Bible camp. Upon his return, he gushed to me about five kids who recently accepted Jesus as their Savior and got Baptized. “It had nothing to do with me,” he exclaimed. “I was so moved, even choked up to tears. It’s cool to see how God uses everyone for His good but in different ways.” My friend doesn’t give up his spare time for money; I’m not even sure the counselors are paid for their time. It’s his way of exhorting others toward the ways of Christ. It’s his way to be used by God for whatever His plan is.
Good night’s sleep or not, our flesh will continue to lead us to sin, leaving us short. We will continue to fail. The gold comes from our willing spirit. It will lead us to bolster God’s faith community, His believing children. This is something our glad hearts have complete control over. Dear Lord, help our willing hearts overpower our weakened flesh.
“It’s a relationship with other believers that you discover and fulfill God’s will for your life. And when you have godly, Spirit-filled people loving you, building you up, cheering you on, and ministering to you as you serve them—well, that’s when you’re positioned to experience the fullness of the Father’s grace, power, and plan.”
Charles Stanley
Key Applications
- Do you pay attention to the importance of staying alert and watchful? Even when we are tired or discouraged, we are required to serve God and serve others. When called upon by family, friends, or strangers, seek to help and encourage. Watch for opportunities to share the good news. (Read Mark 14) Pray each night about how you can reflect Christ’s glory with everyone you meet.
- In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated perfect submission to God’s will, even in the face of His imminent death. Emulate Christ’s example by seeking God’s will above your desires and submitting to His plan for your life.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.