Jesus tells some of His disciples to sit away from Him as He prayed. He takes with Him Peter, James, and John, and asks them to watch with Him. He moves off by Himself and falls on His face to pray. This was His wrestling in prayer. There was a battle of wills. He wanted something, knowing His Father’s choice was something different. He makes His request, but He makes His choice of the Father’s will.

It wasn’t that simple, or He would have just prayed it once. It wasn’t settled in Him. He prays it again and then again. He gets the matter settled in Himself. His choice is made and He accepts the Father’s will.

His “watching” disciples were sleeping. Jesus adds a little more saying, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Our watching is to be accompanied by prayer and it keeps us from temptation.

Jesus recognizes the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Was He just talking about the disciples, or did He realize the weakness of His own flesh in His battle in prayer. Jesus’ willing spirit overcame in His battle. The flesh overcame in His weary disciples.

What are we to watch for? We’re to stay alert because there is an enemy prowling around. We don’t want to be caught off guard. An enemy is coming with temptations, trying to trip us up. We don’t want to be caught unaware. We need to keep watch and pray.

Judas spent three years with Jesus. He is close enough to kiss Jesus. Jesus, knowing all things, calls Judas friend. Proximity to Jesus isn’t going to save you. Being in church and Bible studies and all such things aren’t going to save you. He must be in you. His life must become your life. We must give up our lives and take on His life.

Jesus points out He had the power to save His life. He could call on angel armies as their commander! He doesn’t. He submits to the Father’s will. We don’t save ourselves. We submit ourselves.