How Many Times Did Jesus Come Back and Find His Disciples Sleeping?

Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, had a group of disciples who followed him throughout his ministry. These disciples were chosen by Jesus himself and were expected to learn from him, spread his teachings, and ultimately become leaders in their own right. However, there were times when Jesus found them sleeping instead of being vigilant.

How many times did Jesus come back and find his disciples sleeping?

There are three instances recorded in the Bible where Jesus found his disciples sleeping. These incidents are mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

1. The Garden of Gethsemane

On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He took Peter, James, and John with him and asked them to keep watch while he prayed.

“And he came unto the disciples and found them asleep, and said unto Peter, ‘What! Could ye not watch with me one hour?'” (Matthew 26:40)

Jesus was deeply grieved that his closest friends could not stay awake during this critical moment. He urged them to stay awake and pray so that they would not fall into temptation.

2. The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration is a pivotal event in Christianity where Jesus revealed his divine nature to his disciples. He took Peter, James, and John with him up a high mountain where he was transfigured before their eyes.

“And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered..and there talked with him two men.Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake they saw his glory.” (Luke 9:29-32)

Although it is not explicitly stated that Jesus found them sleeping in this instance, it is clear that they were having trouble staying awake. It was only after they woke up that they saw the glory of Jesus.

3. The Agony in the Garden

In the Gospel of Mark, there is another instance where Jesus found his disciples sleeping. This incident occurs right after the Last Supper, when Jesus and his disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane.

“And he cometh and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, ‘Simon, sleepest thou? Couldest not thou watch one hour?'” (Mark 14:37)

Once again, Jesus was deeply disappointed that his disciples could not stay awake during this crucial moment. He knew that he was about to be arrested and that his trial and crucifixion were imminent.

  • Conclusion:

In conclusion, Jesus found his disciples sleeping on three separate occasions – in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion, during the Transfiguration when he revealed his divine nature to them, and after the Last Supper when he was about to be arrested. These incidents show that even though Jesus expected a lot from his disciples, they were only human and prone to weakness. However, Jesus never gave up on them and continued to teach and guide them until the end.