PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 26:40-46
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.” (Matthew 26:43)
I notice for the first time that he asks Peter about why he couldn’t stay awake.
In Mark’s version Jesus also speaks to Peter, but Luke says he speaks to all of them.
This stands out because it follows right after Peter’s boastful claim to loyalty.
“Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” (26:35)
Peter so ready to die with Jesus, cannot stay awake with Jesus.
I don’t think Jesus is shaming Peter, but he is humbling his boastful spirit.
As someone who also experiences ‘heavy eyes’ (26:43), I am encouraged.
I will admit that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (26:41)
My boastful confidence as a Jesus follower has been humbled too.
I admit that I cannot stay focused, stay awake, stay strong, stay alert.
I see Jesus standing strong for me, and I see other disciples much stronger than me.
But where in the past that shamed me, I now face it as a reality that Jesus knows.
Jesus intercedes for me, even when I struggle to intercede with him.
My flesh is definitely weak, and my eyes are heavy… but his Spirit is strong for me!
PRAYER
Lord, my eyes are heavy, my flesh is weak! Strengthen me with your strength, so that my spirit will persevere with yours, and not give in to this weakness and heaviness.
“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” I’ve been there and can relate. Seems to relate to Jesus himself – his Spirit is willing but the flesh cries out – Jesus knew he had to drink the cup of wrath – the cup of redemption for us yet he had to wrestle with his own weary body – the temptation to give up and not go through with it. How often have I not wanted to give up and just not care? Lord Jesus help me in my temptations as well – not to let the flesh desires to overcome me – but to overcome them by a willing spirit – your spirit helping and guiding me – even prodding me!
My words need to be matched with my deeds. All too often my deeds speak louder than my words; they are not in sync. Words come easier than deeds. They are hard to bridle. And my deeds are hard to put into action following the rightful words said. I need my Saviour yo lead and guide me all the way for it is only by His Spirit I can stay in the right way.
1 All the way my Savior leads me–
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
2 All the way my Savior leads me–
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for ev’ry trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.
3 All the way my Savior leads me–
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.