Background and Contrast

As we now look at the disciples’ weakness, the power of the obedience of the Lord Jesus shines all the brighter. It stands out against the dark backdrop of their failure. Yet instead of condemning the drowsy disciples, we must realize that in them, we see our own image. With the moving request, “Keep watching with Me,” the Lord withdrew with Peter, James, and John. We do not know whether they could see Him fall to the ground. We do not know whether they could hear the loud crying with which He presented His pleading to God. When the Lord returned, He found them sleeping.

Their Past Faithfulness and Coming Failure

The disciples had left everything to follow the Lord Jesus. No reward had been set before them. Three of them had left their profitable fishing business behind. While many disciples had turned away over time, they had remained with Him. They followed Him step by step, even as it clearer that His people had rejected Him. When He sent them out two by two, He said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves” (Matthew 10:16). They surely felt hostility as well. Shortly before the walk to Gethsemane, He had said to them, “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials” (Luke 22:28). Those were not flattering words of comfort. It was the truth. But He had also said something else. “You will all fall away because of Me this night” (Matthew 26:31). That too was the truth. The first word strengthened them. The second warned them.

The Test and the Sleep “Because of Sorrow”

A severe test was now coming. It could be passed only by staying watchful. Yet they fell asleep. Luke adds, “because of sorrow” (Luke 22:45). Their tiredness is understandable. Yet if they had suffered inwardly with Him, it would have been different. If they had taken deep part in His distress, they would hardly have found sleep. That they were still overcome by sleep was due to them not watching with Him. Instead, they were sad and disappointed about their own situation.

The Lord’s Loving Reproof

Could the Lord not expect to find attentive and compassionate disciples when He came to them? He came after a struggling fight, and He found them sleeping. Yet instead of being occupied with His distress and His needs, He is at once concerned for His disciples. This is His shepherd love. His rebuke seems to be directed first at Peter. “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?” (Mark 14:37). As with the warning words in Luke 22:31, Peter is addressed again by his old name. Should that not have made him alert? And then this question: “Could you not?” Peter had affirmed his willingness. He said he would go with the Lord “to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). And now he did not even have the strength to watch for an hour? The Lord wanted to show him his overconfidence – and He did not withhold a warning.

Peter had been the spokesman, so he was addressed first. Yet the other disciples had spoken the same way. They, too, receive the same reproof (Matthew 26:40).