Words from the Rock
[Jesus] prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.”
Matthew 26:39–42 NASB
On the most difficult night of Jesus’s life—which is about to end—at a time when he wants and needs his best friends (his beloved disciples) to surround him with their love and support . . . they are asleep. Jesus is desperately praying to his Father—confessing his concerns, expressing his deepest emotions, even to the point where he sweats drops of blood—and his buddies are snoozing.
It’s as if the weight of the world . . . the entire universe . . . is resting on Jesus’s shoulders tonight. He knows that his earthly mission (to save the human race) is nearly over. He’s done everything possible to show them God’s love and mercy—but is it enough? Time is running out, and his death is imminent. Because of his love for all mankind (then and now), he suffers great agony as he prays to the Father about what lies ahead. Then he submits his will to his Father, saying, “Do it your way, not mine.” And throughout his torment, while he struggles, his friends are fast asleep.
It’s tempting to take a nap when times get hard. It’s like sleep is the great escape. While Jesus understands your humanity, he still warns you to be careful. He doesn’t want your human weakness to cause you to fall flat on your face. Instead of dozing off when the going gets rough, why not go to Jesus and ask him for help? Wake up!
My Prayer
Dear God,
I confess that sometimes I want to hide from my problems. Remind me that you handle things differently. Help me to come to you for help.
Amen.
Final Word
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Romans 5:3 NLT
Stone for the Journey
God wants me to face my troubles.