The Willing Spirit and the Weak Flesh
Matthew 26:40-45
And he comes to the disciples, and finds them asleep, and said to Peter, What, could you not watch with me one hour?…


I. A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CHRISTIAN — a willing spirit.

1. This is true of every one of Christ's real disciples on earth.

2. We must set no bounds to the degree of the Christian's willingness.

3. Christ constantly tested it. "Sell all that thou hast."

II. THE CHRISTIAN'S INFIRMITY. "The flesh is weak."

1. True in prayer.

2. True in Bible reading.

3. True in Christian effort.

4. True in our losses and afflictions.

5. We must expect to experience more and more of this weakness of our mortal nature as life progresses.

III. THE COMPASSION OF OUR LORD FOR THE CHRISTIAN UNDER HIS INFIRMITY. Rebuke is soon followed by compassion. He was now overwhelmed with misery; but suffering did not make Him selfish.

IV. THE CONDUCT WE ARE TO PURSUE UNDER OUR INFIRMITIES. Are we to allow the weak flesh to do as it will? We are to watch and pray.

(C. Bradley.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

WEB: He came to the disciples, and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What, couldn't you watch with me for one hour?




The Sentinel and the Arsenal
Top of Page
Top of Page