The Flesh Is Weak

 

The Flesh Is Weak And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:40-41). I guess the truth of this title goes without question, but the extent of our weakness might be a surprise to some. Even when the spirit is willing to fight against sin, it often just gives up. That tells us victory is found only with help. God must be involved in your daily battles or you will fail. Jesus tells the disciples to pray that they would not enter into temptation. Not that they would never experience any temptations, but that they would not be overcome by them or surprised by them. Jesus was about to be taken, tortured, and killed. They were about to experience great fear. Jesus wanted them to be prepared. Watch and pray is the command. Like a sailor in the crow's nest watches the horizon for any sign of land or masts, we are to look for possible temptations that we would not be caught off guard. This is done by prayer. Prayer focuses our attention on holiness. When our eyes are on holiness, the pitfalls are easier to see. Had the disciples been more alert, they would have understood the hour better. Clearly there was a change in the Savior's demeanor. Sweating blood has to have its effect; but, still, they slept. Let us not be caught sleeping in our hour of temptation. Stay vigilant in prayer. Make a habit of it!