Am I Asleep?





Photo Credit: Image Base

32 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”
35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”
37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.
41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” (Mark 14:32-42 NKJV)

 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:43-44 NKJV)

In the above passages Jesus longed for His disciples to stand watch and pray. He knew what lie ahead and He was deeply distressed, even to the point His sweat became like great drops of blood. The angles ministered to Him and he was deep in prayer with the Father, yet He desired His disciples to stand watch and pray. What happened? Three times Jesus found them sleeping.

There are many times we need our brothers and sisters in the Lord to stand with us and pray for us. During our darkest hours, it is most comforting to know someone is there. Jesus being God desired it, how much more do we need it? As Jesus cried out to the Father, so should we. However, God did not intend for us go through our trials alone. He works through us to help and comfort others.

A question we should all ask of ourselves, “is someone I know going through a trying time and reaching out, yet I am asleep?”

Another question, “are we hurting and too proud to make someone aware?”