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Caught Sleeping

Sometimes I wonder if we appreciate that while Jesus was the Son of God, He was also a human being, who lived and loved, and felt many times as we do.

On that dark night as Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley and entered the Garden of Gethsemane with the Apostles, He was not alone, yet in a sense, He was very alone!

The scriptures say, “…the disciples began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy, and to complain in their hearts, wondering if this be the Messiah.” (Mark 14:32 JST).

After all this time, and all that the disciples had seen, still they doubted. They were not yet converted.

Well, understanding the doubt and the discouragement that overwhelmed them, Jesus encouraged them to resist it. “…Sit ye here,” He said to the disciples, “while I go [yonder] and pray…” (Matthew 26:36).

Taking only Peter, James and John, Jesus went deeper into the darkened garden, rebuking them as He went for letting their hearts run amok. Then, as if to sober them to the situation at hand, He said, “…My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; tarry ye here, and watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38).

As the agony of the atonement began, Jesus did not want to be alone. He wanted His disciples to stay with Him and to watch with Him as He gave Himself a ransom for our sins.

He went from them about a stone’s throw, and fell to the ground on His face, saying, “Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done…” (Mark 14:36 JST).
An Angel appeared strengthening Him. The agony intensified, and Jesus prayed more earnestly, while blood erupted from every pore in His body and dripped to the ground like rain.

After some time Jesus rose from prayer, and came back to Peter, James, and John. They were asleep. “Peter,” Jesus said, “…could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation…”(Matthew 26:40-41).

“…The spirit truly is ready,” they said to Him, “but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38 JST). They wanted to be vigilant and obedient, but it was just so hard, and they were so tired!

Jesus returned to prayer, the atoning agony continuing! When He came back again to the apostles, sleep had once more overpowered them. Again, He awoke them, and this time they were speechless before Him.
He left them the third time, praying the same words as before. And when He came back the third time, once more they were asleep. This time, He didn’t wake them. “…Sleep on now,” He said, “…take your rest: it is enough…” (Mark 14:41).

He needed them and they had let Him down, missing the opportunity to stand as witnesses of the greatest event in eternal history! I will never blame them though. How many times have I fallen asleep physically or spiritually, and was not there when the Lord needed me? I’m sorry to say, too many.