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 14:37-42 (NKJV)

The disciples didn’t know and so they slept! While they were sleeping, Judas was out betraying. While they were sleeping, the mob was marching. While they were sleeping, trouble was headed their way. Jesus had told them to watch and pray, but they slept instead.

The disciples would scatter. Peter would be sifted. They would all be tested like never before. They needed to be prepared, but their bodies were tired, their minds were drifting and before they knew it, they were asleep.

There is hope in this passage because there is one who never fell asleep in the garden! While they were sleeping, Jesus was praying! This story isn’t about the disciples inability to stay awake and pray as much as it is about Jesus’ ability to intercede for those he loved. Despite his companions falling asleep, Jesus was prepared for the cross. He had met the father in prayer. He had prayed for the disciples. It’s easy to read this story as a failure on the part of the disciples, but the I think the lead of the story is Jesus’ success in prayer.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Thank you for your grace. We are grateful that despite the disciple’s lack of awareness of the gravity of the moment that you, Jesus interceded in prayer. Give us discernment as we apply your word to our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.