39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He *came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and He *said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is [ p ]willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 26:39-41 (NASB) 中文

In the garden

Jesus and the 11 disciples are in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas has left the group to betray Jesus and probably is at this time sealing the deal with the religious leaders. Peter, James and John have been selected to “keep watch” with Jesus. But…they fall asleep!

Face the Father

This passage tells us so much about Jesus and His relationship with the Father. Remember, this is Jesus, the Son of God; God in human flesh, with all the encumbrances of humanity. He laid aside His equality with God and became man, even a servant, and is about to die for sinful man. In some ways, this test was more severe than Satan’s temptation at the outset of His ministry.

• He fell on his face. This is not just symbolism. I have every reason to believe Jesus actually lay down prostrate on the ground to pray. It shows desperation, determination, humility, submission.
• My Father. He addresses God as His Father. If we read John’s account, we get a very good grasp of Jesus, the Son of God with many references to God as His Father. 
• If possible. This is giving us a glimpse into Jesus’ suffering. He knew it would be the greatest suffering anyone could ever suffer – even beyond all imagination. Of course His humanity cries out for freedom from this. And, He knows, even while asking, it’s the only way to accomplish the Father’s will: to reconcile mankind to Himself. He reminds Himself this is the reason He came.
• Let this cup pass. What is this cup? It’s the cup of God’s wrath upon the sin of man. All the sins of all mankind of all time up to the future New Heavens and New Earth. It’s from Adam to … you … and beyond.
• Not as I will, but as You will. He knew what He was here to do. Jesus didn’t flinch. He confirmed His determination to do what the Father wished. He knew and trusted the Father’s will and purpose. 

Watching and Praying

Jesus asked His disciples to watch and pray. “Peter – just like us – failed in later temptation because he failed to watch and pray. The spiritual battle is often won or lost before the crisis comes.” (enduringword.com) Then He acknowledges their physical weakness: “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

RЯeflection

• As you read this, what are your thoughts about our Lord Jesus Christ? Make sure you tell Him…now! Even better, tell someone else as well.
• Have you prayed, “Not my will but yours?” When faced with yet another insurmountable medical issue after just experiencing a brush with death, God gave me grace to offer this prayer of humble submission – although I didn’t have the same degree of choice. But I think God is mostly looking for obedient, willing, submission to His will.