“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41
Jesus commanded His disciples to watch and pray, and this is what we must do too. But they did not obey the command. Instead, they entered into temptation.
That’s our position, isn’t it? We have not kept the command of Christ. All of us have sinned in many ways.
None of us can find peace and rest when we look at our obedience. We have not watched or prayed as we ought. We have entered into temptation and sin mars our lives because of it. We need to look to Christ.
Jesus was praying for Peter when Peter wasn’t praying for himself: “Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31).
You may be thinking, “I thought Peter did fail.” Yes, Jesus knew that the disciples would fail to watch and pray, and that within a few hours Peter would swear that he did not even know Him. Jesus knew Peter would fail, so He prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail.
Jesus knew that Satan had his eye on Peter. He knew that Satan wanted to tear Peter apart. He knew that Satan would come against Peter with everything he had. Satan wanted to destroy Peter, but Jesus said, “I have prayed… that your faith may not fail.” Jesus prayed that this would not be the end for Peter, and that when Peter fell into sin, he would turn back to Him.
The next day Jesus went to the cross, where He died for sinners like us. He bore our sins and our failings. Then He rose from the dead, and today He offers forgiveness and restoration for all who look to Him in faith and repentance.
Just as Jesus prayed for Peter, He also intercedes for us. When you sin, make it your habit to turn back to Him quickly, knowing that He will receive you.
