Are You Ready?

N.T.#288 "Are You Ready?"

April 18, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 11

LET IT GLOW 

Do you find it hard to stay awake at the end of a hard day and pray? I often do. We are not alone, for the 3 men in Jesus' inner circle of disciples did the same.

This was the time that Jesus needed support of His friends, Peter, James, John. He took them a little farther with Him into the Garden of Gethsemane where it was quiet. After spending 3 years meeting needs of people and teaching His disciples, Jesus wanted them to pray with Him and watch for the enemy. They failed and fell asleep. 

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (verse 41)

Jesus realized the struggle going on inside Him-flesh and spirit. He put aside His own will to accomplish the purpose of His Heavenly Father-death on the cross for the sins of the world. However, it was weighing Him down. His flesh was weak (strengthless), but the spirit was willing (ready). 

In Mark 14:38, Mark says The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

If the Savior struggled with the fleshly desires, then it is common for us to struggle with fleshly desires, too.  Our flesh wants to have its way, eat, drink, go wherever, do whatever it desires. It is the spirit that must win out and take control so we do not fail to do God's purpose and will for His glory.

In the Garden Jesus struggled, but which won in the end? His Spirit won! And aren't we grateful!

If we need to hold our tongue, walk away, quote Scripture, then do it so the Spirit of God wins in our life and we do not sin. 

LET IT GROW 

Jesus came to the point where He said, Thy will be done. (verses 39 and 42)

After the Spirit won the struggle, Jesus told His disciples to sleep on and take their rest, for the hour was coming when the Son of Man was betrayed into the hands of sinners. remember, Judas slipped out of the Upper Room when Jesus told him to go and do what Judas had to do.

Finally it was time, Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray Me. (verse 46)

Are we ready to stay so close to Jesus that no matter what happens to us, we can stay in His will? Or are we like Peter and say we will remain faithful to Jesus, yet the flesh conquers us and we deny Him?

LET IT GO 

Oh what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful! Hallelujah, He overcame the weakness of the flesh and the grave! Christ arose!

Give us strength today to fight the flesh and submit to Your will, Jesus.