Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41
Dear Church and Friends,
Today we follow Jesus into Gethsemane. We seldom consider the battle waged there, but there was one. The Messiah wrestled against his flesh which called on him to do something other than God’s will. Hebrews tells us, “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Heb 5:7-8).
Even though a Son he suffered. How much more should we expect to suffer in this life. But the Son teaches us what to do. Notice the word “watch” and its key role in this passage. Jesus asks the disciples three different times to do this with him.
- Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. [verse 38]
- And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? [verse 40]
- Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. [verse 41]
He wanted them to be alert because things were about to get really bad. Jesus was watching. He said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death:” so he was alerted to his need for prayer. Patient watching always leads to praying. As we see the signs of our own weakness we can ask the Father specifically for strength to combat coming temptation. In this way we imitate Christ and grow in obedience.
Music: Psalm 145.
Prayer: Please lift up the following.
- A request for a friend of Lois Lunsford, Karl Glos, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
- C. W. Bourne’s brother Garrett who passed away today. Pray for the grieving family.
- Continue to remember Bruce Floyd (Kathy Renner’s brother) and Jeanne Bond.
Catechism: Craig’s Catechism (1581) [1. The Creation and First State of Mankind].
Question 7: How did they know his will?
Answer: By his Works, Word, and Sacraments.
Question 8: What liberty had they to obey His will?
Answer: They had free will to obey and disobey.
Question 9: What profit had they by their obedience?
Answer: They were blessed and happy in body and soul.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
All my best.
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Matthew 26:42
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