His Word Today

⁵⁵ “At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. ⁵⁶ But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.” (Matthew 26:55–56 (ESV)

⁴⁸ “And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? ⁴⁹ Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” ⁵⁰ And they all left him and fled.” (Mark 14:48–50 (ESV)

⁵² “Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? ⁵³ When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” (Luke 22:52–53 (ESV)

⁴ “Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” ⁵ They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. ⁶ When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. ⁷ So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” ⁸ Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” ⁹ This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” (John 18:4–9 (ESV)

In observing the four Gospels concerning Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane, Matthew, Mark and Luke record Jesus asking the crowd “Have you come out as against a robber?” Luke alone specifically identifies the crowd, consisting of “the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders” (Luke 22:52).

The three authors mention Jesus saying, “Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me.” Again, Luke alone records Jesus also saying, “But this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Luke 22:53). The setting of physical darkness is appropriate for the dynamic of spiritual darkness. Additionally, Matthew and Mark alone mention the disciples leaving Jesus and fleeing the scene of darkness (Matt. 26:56; Mark 14:50). Jesus also refers this scene as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Psalm 88:8 (ESV) – “You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape.”

Psalm 88:18 (ESV) – “You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness.” 

What an ironic contrast to Jesus’ statement in His Sermon on the Mount that His disciples were salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16) and also when Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” (John 8:12).

Not surprisingly, John emphasized the deity of Jesus Christ in his narrative. He refers to Jesus’ omniscience (John 18:4), His holiness (vs. 6), His authority (vs. 8) and His perfect fulfillment of Scripture (vs. 9). 

“Our Lord expressed amazement during His arrest, noting that He was being treated as a robber and being taken at night even though there had been opportunities to arrest Him during the day (Mark 14:52–53). The soldiers acted as if He were a criminal even though they had plainly seen in the daylight that He was not one, and their arrest of Him at night shows their awareness that He was guilty of no sin. They had to come at night, when no one was looking, lest they meet protests from the crowds that Jesus was an innocent man. They had to hide their unjust actions under cover of darkness,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“If anyone wishes to know what kind of person this Jesus had proved himself to be during the slightly more than three years of his public ministry, let him read such passages as Matt. 4:23–25; 11:25–30; 12:18–21; Luke 24:19; Acts 2:22. To say, as some, in commenting on Matt. 26:55, have done, that he was “harmless” is putting it too mildly. He was and is, “the Savior of the world” (John 4:42; 1 John 4:14), the world’s greatest Benefactor. How absurd and hypocritical it was for the foe in the hour of darkness to pounce upon this Good Shepherd, from whom no one who heeded his message had anything to fear, and who even taught people to love their enemies,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁵¹ “And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. ⁵² Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” (Matthew 26:51–54 ESV)

“But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.” (Mark 14:47 (ESV)

⁴⁹ “And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” ⁵⁰ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. ⁵¹ But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:49–51 ESV)

¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) ¹¹ So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:10–11 ESV)

All four Gospels refer to an act of violence by one of Jesus’ disciples against the servant of the high priest. What are the various and observable facts contained in these four accounts?

First, Matthew describes the individual as “one of those who were with Jesus” (Matt. 26:51). Mark says it was “one who stood by” (Mark 14:47). Luke reports “when those who were around him saw what would follow…one of them struck the servant” (Luke 22:49-50a). John specifically identifies Simon Peter as the disciple who performed the violent act (John 18:10).

Second, all four Gospels use the same word for sword (μάχαιρα; machaira). This refers to a small dagger. Perhaps this would have been an instrument Peter used as a fisherman.

Third, all four Gospels record Simon Peter cut off the servant’s ear. John says it was the servant’s right ear (John 18:10). John is also the only one who identified the servant as Malchus (John 18:10).

Fourth, with the exception of Mark, the Gospel writers state Jesus immediately condemned Peter’s act. However, Luke is the only one who said Jesus also healed the servant by touching his ear (Luke 22:51).

Fifth, both Matthew and John said Jesus acknowledge God the Father’s sovereign control in this situation so the Scriptures would be fulfilled (Matt. 26:53-54; John 18:11). Jesus also referred to more than twelve legions of angels God the Father could send to defend God the Son (Matt. 26:53)

Finally, although each of the four Gospels share particular information not found in the other accounts, none of them contradict each other. They are all in harmony.

“Though a scuffle broke out in which one of the soldiers had his ear cut off, Jesus did not put up a fight when the evil men arrested Him (Mark 14:46–50). He went willingly and even showed love for His enemies in the process. Luke 22:50–51 reports that Jesus healed the soldier’s ear,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.  

“Although the incident is related in all four Gospels, only John mentions the names of the two persons who (in addition to Jesus himself) figured most prominently in it. When John published his Gospel it was no longer possible to punish the assailant. Hence, in John’s Gospel the assailant’s name and that of the person attacked could be mentioned,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

John Calvin states in his commentary, “The fact that Jesus healed the man and that the arrest nevertheless continued shows the depths of human depravity. Wicked men were so intent on capturing Jesus that they would not pause when He showed His divine identity by healing the soldier.”

The texts also reveal that spiritual warfare is not fought by human methods. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (ESV) says, “³ For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. ⁵ We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

Soli deo Gloria!

⁴⁷ “While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. ⁴⁸ “Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” ⁴⁹ And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. ⁵⁰ Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.” (Matthew 26:48–50 (ESV)

⁴³ “And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. ⁴⁴ Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” ⁴⁵ And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. ⁴⁶ And they laid hands on him and seized him.” (Mark 14:43–46 (ESV)

⁴⁷ “While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, ⁴⁸ but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47–48 (ESV)

⁴ “Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” ⁵ They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.” (John 18:4–5 (ESV)

It was horrible enough for Judas Iscariot to betray the Lord Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. It was even worse for him to betray the Lord with a kiss. However, this act was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18).

All four Gospels describe Judas as one of the twelve (Matt. 26:47; Mark 14:43; Luke 22:47; John 6:71). “Only once (John 20:24) is another disciple so described. The Gospel writers seem to use the expression to underscore the insidiousness of Judas’ crime—especially here in the midst of betrayal,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

A kiss is one of most tactile and affectionate expressions of friendship and love. Spouses kiss, parents kiss their children, and close friends occasionally kiss each other in times of grief or joy. We kiss to say hello, and we kiss when we say goodbye. Even at a wedding, the climactic moment of the ceremony, prior to introducing the bride and groom, is when the minister instructs the groom to kiss the bride.  

“Now a soft kiss- Aye, by that kiss, I vow and endless bliss.” – John Keats

“Close your eyes and I’ll kiss you, Tomorrow I’ll miss you.” ― Paul McCartney

“You should be kissed and by someone who knows how.” ― Margaret Mitchell

Judas’ kiss of Christ was not one of love or friendship but rather of hatred and even greed. It was because of his kiss of betrayal that Judas sealed the deal to secure his fortune and Jesus’ arrest, trial and crucifixion.

“What made Judas’ betrayal of the Savior even worse than it would have been otherwise was that Judas was allegedly a friend of our Lord. It is bad enough to be betrayed by an acquaintance, but to be abandoned by a loved one is truly horrific. And Judas compounded his treason even further by betraying Jesus with a kiss, a sign of affection, and referring to Him as “Rabbi,” a title of honor (vv. 44–45). One commentator notes that these actions were the first acts of mockery that would take place during the trial and passion of our Savior. Judas’ actions show that he neither truly loved Jesus nor honored Him as He deserved,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

I wonder how it makes you feel when the prodigal won’t come home
I wonder how it makes you feel when he’d rather be on his own
I wonder what it’s like for you when a lamb has gone astray
I wonder what it’s like for you when your children disobey.

I wonder how it makes you feel when no one seeks your face
I wonder how it makes you feel when they give up in the race
I wonder what it’s like for you when they willingly disobey
I wonder what it’s like for you when they willingly walk away.

It must be like another thorn struck in your brow
It must be like another close friend’s broken vow
It must be like another nail right through your wrist
It must be just like
Just like Judas’ kiss. – Bob Hartman

⁴⁶ “Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” ⁴⁷ While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.” (Matthew 26:46–47 ESV)

⁴³ “And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.” (Mark 14:43 (ESV)

⁴⁷ “While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them.” Luke 22:47a (ESV)

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. ² Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. ³ So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.” (John 18:1–3 ESV)

All four Gospels record the account of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. There are several observations which can be made concerning this treacherous event.

First, it was a personal betrayal because Judas was one of the twelve disciples. Second, it was public betrayal with Judas leading a great crowd containing officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, scribes, elders, and a band of soldiers. Third, it was a potentially violent betrayal for the crowd had swords, clubs and weapons. Fourth, it was a covert betrayal because it happened at night evidenced by the crowd’s use of torches and lanterns. Jesus’ enemies did not want the public to know what they were doing; at least not yet.

“Because they are sent by prominent men of Jerusalem, the band that comes to arrest Jesus is probably the temple guard. They come prepared for armed resistance from one they suppose is a messianic revolutionary,” explains commentator Craig Keener.

“When Jesus had exposed Judas at the Passover supper, that traitor must have hurried off to the chief priests, etc., the men who had hired him. Was he afraid that once his treachery became known the alarm would spread and from everywhere friends of Jesus—think especially of the many from Galilee, now in the city—would gather in his defense? “Act quickly,” he must have told the Jewish authorities, preferably by night, when no crowds are around. Act tonight,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

Judas’ hurried act of betrayal resulted in a lasting legacy of ignominy. However, it was all within the providence and sovereignty of God (Acts 2:22-23).

Take care to watch and pray so as to not enter into temptation by sins of commission or omission (Matt. 26:41; James 4:17).

Soli deo Gloria!   

⁴² “Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” ⁴³ And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. ⁴⁴ So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. ⁴⁵ Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” (Matthew 26:42–45 (ESV)

³⁹ “And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. ⁴⁰ And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. ⁴¹ 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. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴² Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” (Mark 14:39–42 (ESV)

The hour for which all the Old Testament prophets spoke arrived. Jesus understood this. He prayed a second and a third time regarding His impending crucifixion. His prayers were the same as the first in substance, but different in emphasis. Jesus no longer asked for the cup of wrath to pass from Him (Matt. 26:39). Rather, He prayed if there is no other way to accomplish the Father’s will, His will would be done.

“Though both prayers—the one of verse 39 and that of verse 42—are the same in essence, there is a difference in emphasis. The main clause is no longer, “Let this cup be spared me,” but “Thy will be done,” a petition identical in wording and meaning with the one Jesus had himself taught his disciples (Matt. 6:10b). What is happening, then, is that by his own very painful and distressing experience Jesus is “learning” what it means to be obedient, and is revealing this obedience in a progressively glorious manner,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

Hebrews 5:8 says, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.”  Jesus suffered the wrath of God the Father so God the Father could eternally justify, redeem and reconcile sinners to Himself (Rom. 3:21-26). Justification redemption and reconciliation was accomplished not only by Jesus’ active obedience in living a sinless life, but also by Jesus ‘passive obedience in submitting to a substitutionary death on the cross for sinners.  

“Our Lord’s active keeping of God’s commandments was necessary so that Christ could be our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30). But in addition to Jesus’ active obedience, we also need His passive obedience, His suffering the curse of God so that we could be cleansed of our sin (Rom. 3:21–26),” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“The passive obedience of Christ does not mean that our Lord was merely a passive recipient of suffering in His death. Yes, He suffered because other men beat Him and crucified Him, but Christ was active even in this. He gave Himself over to sinful men so that He could die in our place (Mark 15:16–20). He laid down His life; no one took it from Him unwillingly (John 10:18).”

Jesus actively prayed in order to passively submit to the Father’s will. As He was doing so, the disciples were active in their sleeping while passive in their watching and praying (Matt. 26:41). The Lord awakened them and announced it was no longer the time for rest. The hour had arrived for which He had been born (Matt. 1:20-23; Phil.2:5-11).

Puritan John Owen states, “There is something peculiar in that obedience which the Son of God is said to learn from his own sufferings, namely, what it is for a sinless person to suffer for sinners.”

“In some ways, the sufferings of Christ are analogous to ours, but in other ways, they are unique to Him in His role as our Mediator. In fact, it was through obeying God and experiencing the curse of suffering that our sin deserves that Jesus was made perfect as our High Priest. By offering Himself as our atonement, Christ fulfilled His appointed task and became “the source of eternal salvation” (Heb. 5:9–10),” concludes Dr. Sproul.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁴¹ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 (ESV)

^“And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” (Nehemiah 4:9 ESV)

Jesus’ command to His disciples in Gethsemane to watch and pray against temptation was not only applicable to them, and for all believers in Christ, but also to the Jews rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah’s leadership in approximately 446 B.C.

Opposition arose concerning the rebuilding project (Nehemiah 4:1-8). What did Nehemiah have the people do? They prayed and set a guard. In other words, they watched and prayed (Nehemiah 4:9).

On July 24, 1890, Pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon preached Nehemiah 4:9 from the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit. The following is an excerpt from his message.

“NEHEMIAH, and the Jews with him, were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballat and others were angry with them, and tried to stop the work. They determined to pounce upon the people on a sudden, and slay them, and so to put an end to what they were doing.”

“Our text tells us what Nehemiah and his companions did in this emergency: “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.”

“These people had not only to build the wall of Jerusalem, but to watch against their enemies at the same time. Their case is ours. We have to work for Christ. I hope that all of us who love him are trying to do what we can to build up his kingdom; but we need also to watch against deadly foes. If they can destroy us, of course they will also destroy our work. They will do both, if they can. The powers of evil are mad against the people of God. If they can in any way injure or annoy us, you may rest assured that they will do so. They will leave no stone unturned, if it can serve their purpose. No arrows will be left in the quivers of hell while there are godly men and women at whom they can be aimed. Satan and his allies will aim at our hearts every poisoned dart they have.”

“Nehemiah had been warned of the attack that was to be made upon the city. The Jews who lived near these Samaritans had heard their talk of what they meant to do, and they came and told Nehemiah of the plotting of the adversaries.”

“We also have been warned. As our Lord said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat,” so has he, in his word, told us that there is a great and terrible evil power which is seeking our destruction. If Satan can do it, he will not only sift us as wheat, but he will cast us into the fire that we may be destroyed. Brethren, “we are not ignorant of his devices.” You are not left in a fool’s paradise, to dream of security from trial, and to fancy that you are past temptation.”

“It was well for these people, also, that, being in. danger, and being aware of the malice of their enemies, they had a noble leader to incite them to the right course to be pursued. Nehemiah was well qualified for his work. He gave the Jews very shrewd, sensible, and yet spiritual advice, and this was a great help to them in their hour of need.”

“Beloved, we have a better Leader than Nehemiah; we have our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and we have his Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, and shall be with us. I beg you to listen to his wise and good advice. I think he will give it to you through our explanation of the text. He will say to you, what Nehemiah, in effect, said to these people, “Watch and pray.” Although the adversaries of the Jews conspired together, and came to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder the work of rebuilding the wall, Nehemiah says, “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.”

“In the text, I see two guards; first, prayer: ‘We made our prayer unto our God.’ The second guard is watchfulness: ‘We set a watch.’ When I have spoken on these two subjects, I shall take, as my third topic, the two guards together. We prayed, and we set a watch. We must have them both if we would defeat the enemy.”

Whatever the enemy you may be facing, the world, the flesh or the devil, there is one primary discipline to observe. Dear friends, believers in Christ are to watch and pray. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

³⁹ “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” ⁴⁰ And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:39–41 (ESV)

³⁵ “And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ 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.” ³⁷ And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:35–38 (ESV)

³⁹ “And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹ And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ⁴³ And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴ And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵ And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶ and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39–46 (ESV)

What did Jesus mean when He said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak?” Was He referring to the Holy Spirit? I do not suspect so because the third person of the Trinity is God, and therefore not weak (John 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:12-15; Acts 5:1-4). What kind of flesh did Jesus mean? Was He referring to human skin and bone?

The word spirit (πνεῦμα; pneuma) literally means breath. More theologically, it refers to a non-material existence. Translators have chosen to not capitalize the word from the original Greek because the context determines its meaning. Therefore, Jesus was speaking of the human spirit or soul, the Imago Dei (Gen 1:26-27; John 4:24), in contrast to the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-6; 6:63). The word spirit refers to man’s intellect, emotions and will.

Flesh (σάρξ; sarx) can refer to the physical human body (Col 1:24). In the context of the disciples in Gethsemane, Jesus referred to their fallen, sinful and human nature. This is what the Apostle Paul means in Romans 7:4-6; 13-20).  

When believers in Christ face temptation, for which they are to watch and pray, their thinking, feelings and wills may be inclined to obey God. However, failure to watch and pray can result in succumbing to the temptation, resulting in sin (James 1:12-15). The spirit is willing and eager, but the flesh is morally weak.

“If in this nightly hour Jesus experienced the weakness of his own human nature, hence the need of prayer, we may be sure that this was far more seriously true in the case of the disciples. In the present passage “spirit” indicates man’s invisible entity viewed in its relation to God. As such it is the recipient of God’s favor and the means whereby man worships God,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

Have you experienced moments of resolution to obey Christ only to find attacks from the world, one’s remaining sinful flesh and the devil to be intense? It is easy to give in to a momentary lust, only to then grieve the resulting guilt and shame for having done so. We must be careful to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23-27).

The enemy roams
Like a roaring lion
Looking for the sleeping
Looking for the sleeping.

When he comes here
Let him find us keeping our promises
Holding to faithfulness
Down on our knees, eyes to the east.

Watch and pray
No one knows the moment
No one knows the hour
Or the day.

Watch and pray
Till you see Him coming
Coming through the clouds in white array
To take His bride away.

The King will appear
With a shout of glory
All the earth awaking
All the earth awaking.

Until He comes
Let us keep on taking the highest ground
Listening for the sound
Down on our knees, eyes to the east.

Watch and pray
No one knows the moment
No one knows the hour
Or the day.

Watch and pray
Till you see Him coming
Coming through the clouds in white array
To take His bride away.

Behold the Bridegroom
Behold the Bridegroom
He is coming soon
Prepare Him room.

Watch and pray
No one knows the moment
No one knows the hour
Or the day.

Watch and pray
Till you see Him coming
Coming through the clouds in white array
To take His bride away. – Twila Paris

Soli deo Gloria!

³⁹ “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” ⁴⁰ And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:39–41 (ESV)

³⁵ “And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ 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.” ³⁷ And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:35–38 (ESV)

³⁹ “And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹ And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ⁴³ And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴ And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵ And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶ and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39–46 (ESV)

What did Jesus mean when He said to the disciples “Watch and pray?” We must understand this phrase in the original context in order to apply it within our own.

To watch (γρηγορέω; gregoreo) is a present active imperative verb. In other words, it is a command to follow continually and actively by the individual. There can be no excuses. It means to not only be awake but also to be on the alert. This action is to be done with vigilant discipline.  

Coupled with this command to watch was the present, middle imperative to pray. The present middle verb format emphasizes the disciples’ personal responsibility and obedience regarding this command. Jesus holds them personally responsible. It is what He commanded them to do. Disciples to pray to the Lord for the strength to resist the temptation (James 4:7).

Realize the disciples were sleeping. They were not watching and they were not praying. They gave themselves over to their physical desire for sleep. Granted, they were tired and they were sorrowful, but so was Jesus and He was facing a far greater trial than any of us could ever imagine.

Why was it so important for the disciples to watch and pray? Why is it so important for disciples of Jesus today to do the same? The two commands remain in force.

Believers in Christ are to watch and pray in order to not enter into temptation. Temptation (πειρασμός; peirasmos) means to be trapped and to experience sin. To enter (εἰσέρχομαι; eiserchomai) means to experience an event or condition. In this context, to enter refers to experiencing a temptation to sin because the individual did not watch and pray.  

There are three opponents for the believer in Christ: the world, the flesh and the devil (Eph. 2:1-3). Consequently, there are three areas of temptation: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and pride of life (Gen. 3;1-7; Matt. 4;1-11; Luke 4;1-13; I John 2:15-17).

“Jesus taught His disciples to pray ‘Lead us not into temptation’ (Matt. 6:13), but at the crucial moment they failed to ask God for the strength to stand against Satan’s power, which was superior to theirs, but not to God’s (I Cor. 10:13; Eph. 6:10-12, 18-20),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“A person may be wide awake physically and may still succumb to temptation, but if he remains awake spiritually, that is, if with heart and mind he remains “on the alert” or “watchful,” he will overcome temptation,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

Complicating this dynamic is the conflict between the spirit and the flesh. We will examine Jesus statement, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak,” next time.

How may you watch and pray so as to not enter into temptation? Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

³⁹ “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” ⁴⁰ And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:39–41 (ESV)

³⁵ “And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ 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.” ³⁷ And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:35–38 (ESV)

³⁹ “And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹ And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ⁴³ And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴ And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵ And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶ and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39–46 (ESV)

All three of the Synoptic Gospels reveal specific details concerning Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Most, if not all, believers in Christ are aware of Jesus’ prayer before God the Father.

Gethsemane was a critical moment in Jesus’ life and ministry. It was a preparation prelude for what was to transpire in the upcoming hours culminating with the Lord’s substitutionary atonement on the cross for sinners. All the Old Testament prophecies, beginning with Genesis 3:15, were about to be fulfilled.

“Christ’s humanity is different than ours in that His grief and weakness is never mixed with sin. Jesus is not questioning His Father’s wisdom when He asks the cup (that is, God’s wrath; see Jer. 25:15; Zech. 12:2) to pass from Him (Matt. 26:39, 42, 44). Instead, while bowing to the Almighty’s will, He admits honestly His dread of what is to come upon Him — divine affliction for the sins of His people,” states John Calvin.

“Jesus trembles in Gethsemane “because he [has] before his eyes the dreadful tribunal of God, and the Judge himself armed with inconceivable vengeance; and because our sins, the load of which [is] laid upon him, [presses] him down with their enormous weight.”

“Our prayers, Jesus shows us, may honestly confess the anguish we may feel when faced with the prospect of suffering for the Lord’s name as long as we submit to God’s will, no matter the pain that may come about,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Jesus told His disciples on many occasions that He would be crucified (Matt. 16:21-23). He instructed His disciples that He was the fulfillment of the Passover (Matt. 26:26-29). In His High Priestly Prayer in the Upper Room, Jesus acknowledged He accomplished what God the Father sent Him to do (John 17:1-5).  

How did the disciples in general, and Peter, James and John in particular, react to Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane? Did they watch and pray with Him? Did they agonize for Him? They did not. They went to sleep.

“Sleeping at this hour, probably past midnight, was natural, especially after the exciting experiences in the Upper Room (the washing of the disciples’ feet, the revelation that one of The Twelve was going to betray his Master, the departure of Judas, the institution of the Lord’s Supper) and afterward (“All of you shall become untrue to me,” Peter’s protest, etc.). Nevertheless, these men should have stayed awake. They could have, had they only prayed for strength to do so. Though Christ’s gentle reprimand concerned all three—note the plural—yet it was addressed particularly to Peter, no doubt because in the matter of pledging his loyalty and even boasting about it he had taken the lead,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

Prayer was not the priority of Jesus’ disciples in Gethsemane. They went to sleep, ill prepared for what is to come (Matt. 26:40, 43, 45). Are we prayerfully prepared for what may occur in our lives as we live and serve the LORD?

Soli deo Gloria!