Mark 14:38 – “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.
Observation-
Jesus is in the garden of Gethsemane praying to the Father for the Father’s will to be done. Jesus has instructed Peter, James and John to watch him. After the disciples, in their own flesh, fall asleep, Jesus returns and gives them the instruction found in verse 38 to observe him as he prays that we may be kept from temptation. Our flesh alone by ourselves is weak but the Spirit is strong.
Application –
I must follow the instruction Jesus gives to the disciples in the garden. I need to carve out time, alone to pray, communicate with God just as Jesus does. I have to submit and ask God for me to follow His will not my own agenda. Part of my prayer request, as Jesus instructs us in the Lord’s Prayer, should be to keep me free of temptation. This is not going to occur of my own power or doing by myself. I have to be in God’s word and in prayer to provide wisdom and discernment for the Spirit to guide me.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for loving me so much that you want to have a relationship with me. Help me follow Jesus to be in prayer asking for protection from temptation. Let the Spirit guide me to do your will and bring your glory.