Have you ever wondered what Jesus said to his disciples when they fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane? This event is recorded in the book of Matthew, chapter 26, verses 36-46. Let’s take a closer look at what happened and what Jesus had to say.
The Context
Jesus and his disciples had just finished their last supper together. Jesus had foretold that one of his disciples would betray him and that he would be crucified.
After the meal, they went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus asked them to keep watch while he prayed. He took Peter, James, and John with him and asked them to stay awake with him.
The Sleeping Disciples
Jesus went a little farther into the garden to pray, but when he returned, he found his disciples sleeping. He woke them up and said to Peter, “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40-41)
Jesus was disappointed that his closest companions couldn’t stay awake with him during this crucial time. He knew that they were about to face great challenges, and he wanted them to be spiritually prepared.
The Second Time
Jesus went away again to pray a second time and returned only to find his disciples sleeping once more. This time he did not wake them up but instead left them alone to sleep.
The Third Time
When Jesus returned for a third time after praying in agony over what was about to happen to him on the cross; he found his disciples still sleeping. At this point, he said something different: “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise!
Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” (Matthew 26:45-46)
The Lesson
Jesus’ words to his disciples carry a significant lesson for us today. We may not face the same challenges as Jesus and his disciples did in the Garden of Gethsemane, but we all face spiritual battles that require us to stay alert and prayerful.
We need to be aware of our weaknesses and recognize that we cannot overcome them on our own. We need to rely on God’s strength and power to help us through difficult times.
The Importance of Watchfulness
Jesus’ call for watchfulness is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. In Matthew 24:42, he says, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
In Mark 13:33, he says, “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”
We must always be vigilant against temptation and be ready for Christ’s return at any moment. We cannot let our guard down or become complacent in our faith.
The Power of Prayer
Jesus also emphasized the power of prayer during his time in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed fervently to his Father in heaven, asking him to take away the cup of suffering that he was about to endure.
But he also submitted himself to God’s will, saying, “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
We too must pray with fervor and submission to God’s will. It is through prayer that we can connect with God and receive strength and guidance for our lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus’ words to his disciples when they were sleeping carry an important lesson for us all. We must be watchful and prayerful in our spiritual lives.
We cannot let our guard down, but instead, we must rely on God’s strength and power to help us through difficult times. Let us take heed of Jesus’ words and strive to live a life that is watchful and prayerful, always ready for Christ’s return.