Mark 14 - 7.23.25
Scripture
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Mark 14:38)
Observation
After completing the last supper, Jesus and his disciples went to Gethsemane. He took Peter, James and John apart and asked them to keep watch and pray. Jesus knew what was ahead of Him. He was prepared for the agony of the cross, and was ready to take the punishment for all the sins of mankind upon Him. He was in so much anguish, that he sweated blood (Luke 22:44). He asked the Father if He would take this cup away. Nevertheless He submitted Himself to the Father’s will, and prayed that His will be done. He came back and found the disciples sleeping. He woke them up and asked them to keep watch and pray.
Jesus told them to watch and pray so that they will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Jesus had earlier used the same words “watch and pray”, in the context of his second coming during his ministry. “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is” (Mark 13:33 KJV). Jesus compared His second coming to a Master who assigned tasks to his servants and went on a long journey. Some servants thought that the Master would take a long time to come, and were not faithful in doing what they were supposed to do. Instead they indulged in sinful activities, thinking that they could quickly get things right when the Master was about to come. But the Master would come when they least expect it, and those servants will have a terrible punishment. Blessed is the servant whom the Master finds doing His will when He comes (Matt 24:46).
Application
We are called to fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12). Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are in a battle. We are commanded to wear our spiritual armour all the time (Eph 6:11). Our warfare is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph 6:12).
We need to watch and pray so that we don’t fall into temptation. As children of God, our “spirit is willing”. Or in other words, we have a deep desire to live a holy life without succumbing to sin. However, we live in a fallen world, and there is an enemy who is out there enticing us with temptations to sin. We need to be vigilant and have an active prayer life, to make sure that we do not fall into temptation. Nobody is immune to temptation. Nobody is immune to sin. The Devil tempted even Jesus! To make sure that we do not fall into sin, we need to make sure that we do not take a vacation from our walk with God! Let us start every day with prayer and reading God’s word. Let us be watchful and prayerful throughout the day, to make sure that we don’t fall into temptation.
Prayer
Father, I thank you for loving me. I thank you for choosing me and making me your child. Lord, I want my life to be pleasing to you. I want to live a holy life, without sinning against you in thought, word or deed. But I cannot do that with my strength and good intentions. I need you Lord. Lord help me to understand what it means to “watch and pray” so that I don’t fall into temptation. Help me to watch and pray! Help me to prioritize reading your word and praying every day. When I am faced with intense temptation in my weak moments, please help me to cling onto you in prayer so that I do not sin against you. I know that I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. I am victorious through you (1 Cor 15:57). I am more than a conqueror through you (Rom 8:27). I rely on you. I know that you are faithful to complete the work that you started in my life. When I am weak, I am strong in you (2 Cor 12:10). I trust you. I thank you. You are able to keep me from falling. Fulfil your purpose in my life, Lord. Make my life a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you (Rom 12:1). In Jesus’s name. Amen.
- Asha Chacko George
