Could you not watch with me one hour?
Matthew 26: 36-42
In the garden of Gethsemane, just before he was about to be arrested and crucified, Jesus asked his disciples to “sit here, while I go over and pray.” And taking Peter, James and John with him he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Jesus then said to them “my soul is very sorrowful, even to the point of death, remain here and watch with me.” And going a little further he fell on his face and prayed, saying “Father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus was agonising in the garden, he knew His destiny and what was about to take place, he knew that he was going to die and be separated from His Father whom he loved, dying a sinner's death, taking on my sin and yours on the cross.
But where were the disciples? You'd think they would have been alongside him, comforting and praying for him, but instead the bible records 'he came to the disciples and found them asleep!' Jesus then asks them, “So could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus went away to continue praying. He was about to endure the most horrendous death of all not just physically and mentally but spiritually and his disciples were fast asleep! Three times in all he returned to the disciples and each time they were asleep.
We gather together once a month as a church to pray for Jesus' kingdom to come to our needy world; to battle against the evils in our society; and for His church that she may fulfil the mission that Jesus has given us. What could be a higher call and a greater privilege than to serve Jesus by corporately praying for his will to be done one earth. Praying for those who desperately need to hear the gospel. Praying for the poor and needy, the homeless, those caring for the elderly and mentally impaired, those in authority, our schools, and town council.
As we gather to pray together each month it is a humbling demonstration that we truly are followers of Jesus Christ. It is wonderful when God speaks to us as we gather. His presence amongst us strengthens us and helps keep our Church on track as we grow and develop. Jesus died for His church, his Bride. He is totally committed to her and has chosen to extend his kingdom through her prayers and her faithful witness. He calls us to stand and pray. The question Jesus asks each one of us as we gather once a month as a church is: “could you not watch with me one hour”?
