Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

As indicated in the passages cited in the question, Jesus spoke these words upon finding Peter, James, and John asleep, after He had earlier specifically instructed them to keep watch with him. He spoke those words in an effort to keep them steadfast in their faith and service to Him.

The fact that they had fallen asleep was indicative of the weakness of their flesh, which would also be a source of temptation to them (as well as to the rest of the apostles) in the coming hours of His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, resulting in most of the apostles deserting Him, and even in Peter (who had earlier been so boastful of his allegiance to Jesus) denying Him three times (as Jesus had said he would).

Jesus' words also foreshadowed the alertness and prayer that the apostles would need in the face of the persecution that they themselves would be subject to in the coming days and years after Jesus ascended back to heaven following His death and resurrection.

July 04 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Why did Jesus ask the disciples to "watch and pray" in Matthew 26:41?

Be watching and praying, that ye may not enter into temptation: The spirit indeed is eager, but the flesh is weak. --Rotherham Bible

Jesus asked His disciples to "watch and pray" in Matthew 26:41 to help them resist temptation during the coming crisis of His arrest and crucifixion. "Watching" means being spiritually vigilant and alert, while "praying" provides strength and guidance from God. The command acknowledges that while their spirits are willing, the "flesh is weak," meaning their human bodies are prone to weariness and sin, making prayer and alertness essential for spiritual resilience. 

Jesus understood human weakness. Jesus' disciples had good intentions, but sometimes their imperfect nature hindered them from carrying them out. For example, the night before Jesus died, Peter, James, and John failed to provide him with the emotional support he had requested. Jesus recognised that "the spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak." (Matt. 26:40, 41)

Instead of judging Peter and the other apostles harshly for failing to stay awake, however, we would do well to remember that the day had evidently taken quite a toll on their weak flesh. They had prepared for Passover and celebrated it that evening. Then Jesus instituted the Lord's Evening Meal, setting the pattern for future observances of the Memorial of his death. (1 Cor. 11:23-25) "After singing praises, they went out to the Mount of Olives," walking some distance through the narrow streets of Jerusalem. (Matt. 26:30, 36) By then, it may have been well past midnight. If we had been in the garden of Gethsemane that night, we too might have fallen asleep.

The Bible draws a strong connection between spiritual alertness (or watchfulness) and prayer. (Col. 4:2; 1 Pet. 4:7)

We are imperfect. So even if we willingly serve God, it will not be easy for us to do so.

We may feel like the apostle Paul, who was deeply distressed when imperfection inhibited his ability to serve God fully. "Ability to wish is present with me," Paul wrote, "but ability to work out what is fine is not present." (Romans 7:18) 

We, too, find that we cannot carry out completely all the good things we wish to do. (Romans 7:19) This is not because of any reluctance on our part. It is simply because the weakness of the flesh hampers even our best efforts.

Satan wants to destroy something even more valuable than our present life​—our integrity to God. Satan is desperate to prove that he can turn us away from Jehovah. Hence, if we can be induced to be unfaithful​—to quit preaching the good news or to abandon Christian standards—​that would be a victory for Satan! (Ephesians 6:11-13) So "the Tempter" presents temptations to us.​—Matthew 4:3.

Satan's "deceptive tactics" are varied. (Ephesians 6:11, Jewish New Testament) He may tempt us with materialism, fear, doubt, or pleasure-seeking. But one of his most effective methods involves discouragement. A sly opportunist, he knows that despondency can weaken us, making us vulnerable. (Proverbs 24:10) So, especially when we "become crushed" emotionally, he tempts us to give up.​—Psalm 38:8.

Conclusion:

Jesus' instruction serves as a universal principle for believers, highlighting the ongoing struggle between our desire to follow God and our human frailty, emphasising the necessity of a consistent, dependent prayer life to endure spiritual challenges.

2 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report