Keep Watch
Matthew 26:36-46
As a young girl, I would lie on the grass and gaze at the sky while the clouds passed overhead. I remember speaking with the Lord and offering my honest prayers to Him.
Perhaps you remember the times you spent in prayer, whether during a difficult period in your life or when you had specific requests to present before the Lord.
Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
- Matthew 26:36-38
Jesus understood the significance of His personal relationship with His Heavenly Father. He often prayed—in the early morning and sometimes during late evening hours. Even as thousands of people gathered to hear Him teach and sought His miraculous healing, Jesus took the time to be alone with His Father.
And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
- Matthew 14:23
The Olive Grove Called Gethsemane
Jesus walked through this olive grove many times. His disciples were also familiar with the area. Now, for the last time, Jesus leads them to the garden for a moment of fervent prayer filled with anguish and distress. Note His words to the three disciples:
My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death
Stay here and keep watch with Me
Jesus goes further in the garden and pours out His deep prayer to the Father. He bows His face to the ground and prays. Throughout His ministry, Jesus told the disciples that He came to earth to do the will of His Heavenly Father (John 6:38). Now in the garden, He prays these words of anguish.
“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
- Matthew 26:39
Keep Watch and Pray
Jesus returned to the three disciples and found them sleeping. He specifically addressed Peter and asked, “Couldn’t you watch with Me even one hour?” That question has troubled my heart this week. Imagine Jesus asking you and me that question. He wants us to remain in close fellowship with our Heavenly Father. Jesus modeled this relationship for us.
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
- Matthew 26:41
Head to Heart
I encourage you to set aside time for quiet reflection and prayer.
Read Matthew 26:36-46. Observe these phrases in the passage.
I want Your will to be done, not Mine.
Keep watch and pray.
My Father, Your will be done.
Perhaps you noticed others. Add them to the list.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pause to remember the suffering and the extreme sacrifice You made for our sins. You paid the ultimate price, and we come to worship You.
Worship Song: Come and See (Table to the Tomb) -
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