Jesus, facing His death on the cross, took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him to pray. “Jesus said to them, “MY SOUL IS OVERWHELMED WITH SORROW TO THE POINT OF DEATH. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, He fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. YET NOT AS I WILL, BUT AS YOU WILL.” Then He returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. (Matt. 26:38-41) Jesus knew the horrific suffering He was about to experience from men who were full of hatred for Him and He was overwhelmed with sorrow because He knew HE WAS FACING THIS AS MAN, NOT AS THE SON OF GOD. So, every beating with whips and rods, tearing skin and muscle from His body each nail piercing through His physique, He would feel as any man would feel. He called His closest disciples to pray with Him and after praying for a time He found them sleeping. This seemingly lack of care occurred three times where He came back and found them sleeping, “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” He said to Peter. “WATCH AND PRAY SO THAT YOU WILL NOT FALL INTO TEMPTATION. THE SPIRIT IS WILLING, BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK.” (Matt. 26:38-41)
WILL, WE NEED TO THANK GOD OFTEN AND REPEATEDLY FOR THIS GREAT SACRIFICE FOR US…
-Bill Stockham