And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour?”
Matthew 26:40, LSB
As Jesus is in the middle of the garden praying, His friends, whom He asked to keep watch, are asleep. It may be easy to judge them for this action, but we need to be mindful that they had had a very full and long day. How are we any different? How often do we become so wrapped up in the busyness of life that we don’t spend time with our Lord? Jesus had said a lot at the meal prior, and I am sure it was quite a lot, but did any of them believe that all the events described by Jesus - His betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion – would be happening that evening? I would think not. The reality of the crucifixion was probably not even on the radar of them at the time. I am sure that they believed they could protect their friend, Jesus. Like the disciples, most of us who consider ourselves followers of Christ don’t willfully neglect our time with our Lord, but the things of life often get in our way. As we listen to Jesus’ words to Peter, let us also be called back in our focus and remember what it is that Jesus has done for us.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.