When the time came for Jesus to go to the cross and bear the guilt and sin of the world, his spirit was deeply burdened and he greatly desired the watchful prayers of his disciples and closest friends. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death ,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch" (Mark 14:33).
Instead, three times he found Peter and the others asleep. As The Lord prepared himself to face the most difficult time of his existence, as history was coming down to the most critical moment in all of time, while the future of mankind was weighing in the balance, the disciples slept.
They were physically and emotionally exhausted. They were humans just like you and me with physical limitations. We probably wouldn't have done any better. Probably not, but we could have and so could have they.
In preparation for war during the Veitnam Era (thankfully I was not actually sent), we would be placed on guard duty at the end of the day and sometimes followed by kitchen duty (KP - kitchen patrol) and then start a new day, without the mandatory sleep period. In war, sleep is often foregone for long periods. If you raised children, you've had sleepless nights with sick children. People are able to forego sleep when there is sufficient reason.
The disciples just really didn't get the gravity of the moment. All the forces of Hell were marshalling against The Lord in his human form, the pressure was great and the stakes couldn't be higher, the disciples slept. Mostly, I don't think we get it either. I often hear people say they can't get up early enough for prayer and quiet time, they can't stay awake after the last child is put to bed and the last electronic device is turned off, and there is no opportunity during the day. Just when do you keep watch? When will you find the time? Do you think the war is over, that Satan is done? Jus' Askn.
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