Weak Flesh

Mk 14:36

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

 

Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane reveals the true nature of sacrifice and sin, both equally heinous when mixed together. But before Jesus pleaded with the Father, he took Peter, James, and John with Him and asked them to watch because His soul was very sorrowful even to death. Such pain He was carrying! Going a little distance away, He fell on His knees asking the Father if it might be His will to take this horrendous cup away. As  He walked back to His friends, He found them sleeping. These men that had been His constant companions, companions who were supposed to care deeply about Him in His hour of great need, yet, no, it was not to be! Speaking to Simon, He asked a very pointed question. Could you not watch with me one hour? How frail is the flesh? What great weakness! How many times has my flesh taken over in the crucial hour of watching?

 

Speaking again, Jesus said, Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. There is the human problem: weak flesh! Jesus went to pray a second time and when He came back, they were asleep again. The text says, they did not know how to answer Him. What can any person say when the eyes of Jesus have revealed exactly who you are? When Jesus has exposed all pride and self-worth and reduced it to nothing? These three were the inner three, yet their actions were like those who followed at a distance. How heart breaking! What remorse and horrible memories they would have when all was said and done!

 

It happened again yet a third time. Jesus said, Are you still sleeping and talking your rest? It is enough; the hour is come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand. The time was up! For Peter, James, and John, prayer was over before it had begun. Their flesh had cancelled the communion. But praise God, there is amazing grace! Without it where would we all be???

 

Father,

I confess my weakness in prayer. How many times have I slumbered on when I should have been there with you? Strengthen me through Your grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen