Tuesday, March 21st

The Flesh is Weak

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 14:38

Read Matthew 26:40-46

Almost everyone is guilty of falling asleep while praying sometime in their life. The quiet attitude and the closed eyes can produce a profound slumber instead of a fervent request. The disciples had just finished a large meal, the eventful day was ending, and the darkness of the evening in the Garden soothed their flesh into sleep.

There had never been such a request from the Savior like this one. “Keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38b). Soon the soldiers would come. He needed Peter to keep a look out. The struggle within the Son of God was intense. He needed John’s support in prayer. Jesus needed His friends.

Unfortunately, the sad truth was while they loved their Master and their intentions were good, they could not stay awake. Instead of watching over Him, they fell fast asleep.

Three times the Lord woke them. Each time He pleaded for their help, but the good intentions of the spirit were no match for the physical weariness of the body. His friends slept through the turning point in his final week on earth.

Had they been awake, it would not have changed history, but it would have ministered to Jesus. I wonder how many opportunities we have missed because we were not alert to meet a need. The simple lesson is: Friends need to be there when it counts.

Something to think about

1. Does physical weariness ever keep you from ministry?

2. What’s more important: a willing spirit or a strong body?

3. How can you minister to someone today?