This passage from the Bible describes Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion. Jesus asks his disciples to pray with him but finds them sleeping three times when he returns. He urges them to "watch and pray" so they do not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Jesus, experiencing great anguish, models obedience to God's will through prayer.

1. “ WATCH AND PRAY” Matthew 26:36-46 Sonny Naz/Pastor [Mar 28, 2010]

2. 36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:36-46

3. 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:36-46

4. 42 He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Matthew 26:36-46

5. 45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" Matthew 26:36-46

6. Gethsemane – means an “oil press” (v. 36) Introduction

7. Gethsemane – means an “oil press” (v. 36) Introduction A cup figuratively in the OT refers to wrath (anger)

8. Gethsemane – means an “oil press” (v. 36) Introduction A cup figuratively in the OT refers to wrath (anger) when Jesus returned to the three disciples He found them asleep

9. Gethsemane – means an “oil press” (v. 36) Introduction A cup figuratively in the OT refers to wrath (anger) when Jesus returned to the three disciples He found them asleep Jesus encouraged them to keep watching and praying

10. the sleeping and resting of the disciples was in stark contrast to the agony and prayer of Jesus, to the point of exhaustion and perspiration Introduction

11. the sleeping and resting of the disciples was in stark contrast to the agony and prayer of Jesus, to the point of exhaustion and perspiration Introduction and yet Jesus evidenced unswerving obedience – determination to follow the Father’s will regardless of the will

12. Because of the anguish Jesus experienced, He can relate to our suffering. Jesus strength to obey came from his relationship with God the Father, who is also the source of our strength. Introduction

13. Because of the anguish Jesus experienced, He can relate to our suffering. Jesus strength to obey came from his relationship with God the Father, who is also the source of our strength. What does it take to be able to say, “as you will”? It takes firm trust in God’s plans; it takes prayer each step of the way. Introduction

14. “ Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41

15. A. Be watchful The way to overcome temptation Watchful means; Being aware of possibilities of temptation

16. 1 Peter 5:7-9 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

17. A. Be watchful The way to overcome temptation Watchful means; Being aware of possibilities of temptation 2. Being sensitive to our inadequacies

18. A. Be watchful The way to overcome temptation Watchful means; Being aware of possibilities of temptation 2. Being sensitive to our inadequacies 3. Spiritually equipped to fight temptation

19. Colossians 3:2 “ Set your minds on things above, not on things on earth.”

20. Colossians 3:2 “ Set your minds on things above, not on things on earth.” Only the mind set on things above can say no to sin and yes to holiness. The choice is ours.

21. Colossians 3:2 “ Set your minds on things above, not on things on earth.” Only the mind set on things above can say no to sin and yes to holiness. The choice is ours. The only way to see life clearly is to focus on Christ.

22. B. Be Prayerful The way to overcome temptation Prayer is essential because God’s strength can sustain our defense and defeat Satan’s power.

23. A. Spirit is willing but the body (flesh) is weak The nature of our body (flesh) and spirit We often do the right thing but find that we need supernatural assistance to accomplish it (Romans 7:14-25).

24. Romans 7:14-25 14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

25. Romans 7:14-25 18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

26. Romans 7:14-25 21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.

27. FINAL THOUGHT 41 " Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” - Matthew 26:41 33” Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” - Mark 13:33 36 “ Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." - Luke 21:36

28. FINAL THOUGHT If we “watch and pray” , we will not fall into temptation . If we “watch and pray” , we will be ready when the time comes . If we “watch and pray” , we will be able to stand before the Son of Man .

29. Psalm 20 1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah

30. Psalm 20 4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 We will shout for joy when you victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. 6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.

31. Psalm 20 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. 9 O LORD, save the king! Answer us when we call!