Struggling with the Future

KEY VERSE: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” —Matthew 26:41

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:36-50

JESUS knew from the beginning of his ministry that he was to die sacrificially, and had so announced to his disciples. He had said he would give his flesh for the life of the world. (John 6:51-56) The disciples did not grasp the reality of this statement.

Even when it became apparent to them that Jesus would be killed by his enemies, they did not understand why it was necessary for him to die. This meant that Jesus bore the burden of his last trying hours with little benefit of human companionship, understanding, or comfort.

In the ‘upper room’, Peter expressed great love for his Master, and his willingness to die for him if necessary, and no doubt he was sincere in this profession of loyalty. But when Jesus needed him most, Peter fell asleep, as did James, and John. This was in Gethsemane, where Jesus said to these three apostles, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.” (Matt. 26:38) Then Jesus went a little farther into the garden, and in his great sorrow prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (vs. 39) After thus praying, Jesus returned to the three disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Could ye not watch with me one hour?”—vs. 40

How much it would have meant to Jesus at that time to know that at least one of his apostles was entering into his feelings with some measure of understanding! Yet he was kind to them, and admonished them to watch and pray lest they enter into temptation. He acknowledged his realization that their spirits were willing, but their flesh was weak. Jesus knew that Peter and the others really did love him, and that, in their hearts, they were willing to do all they could to help him.

Jesus also knew that with their limited knowledge of his mission on earth, the disciples were not able to give him the comfort and strength that he needed at that time. Only his Heavenly Father could supply this.

Much assurance had been given to our Lord through a remarkable incident which occurred just a short time earlier. It is recorded in John 12:23-33, where Jesus is quoted as saying, “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. … Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say! Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. … Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.”

We notice from the context of these verses that Jesus was speaking of the hour of his death. As a result of his faithfulness even unto the death of the cross, the most important phase of God’s plan of salvation was to be carried forward. The ransom price for Adam’s sin was about to be provided. The successful accomplishment of this act was to bring glory to the name of the Father. The voice from heaven gave unmistakable assurance that Jesus’ death would bring this about.

Jesus’ response to this voice was also very revealing. His words: “This voice came not because of me [that is, I was not particularly in need of this assurance], but for your sakes [that is, for the benefit of you who are listening to me].” This miraculous demonstration was provided to emphasize the significant role Jesus was carrying out in the plan of God. There was not so much as the slightest hint or suggestion here that Jesus might have come short in any respect thus far in his mission.

There remained now only the very difficult final hours. How Jesus must have yearned for the companionship of his disciples to help see him through, but he realized that only in retrospect, after the Holy Spirit would enlighten them, would they begin to appreciate the meaning and importance of these events.

While it was difficult to realize that he must stand alone as far as human help was concerned, he knew that the Heavenly Father would comfort him, and the Father did. He gave his beloved Son strength to endure the harrowing experiences of being hailed before his accusers, condemned to death, beaten, and hung upon the cross.

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