Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.
Matthew 26:45 NIV
The passage in Matthew 26:45 tells a powerful story about Jesus’ disciples sleeping while He prayed in anguish before His betrayal. We considered the Lord’s instruction to them to stay awake and watch with Him in prayer. However, they failed to heed this instruction and succumbed to sleep.
This incident serves as a critical reminder for Christians today. Are we, like the sleeping disciples, neglecting the responsibilities God has entrusted to us? Meanwhile, we must remember that the Lord Jesus will return. Therefore, He expects us to be actively engaged in our Christian walk just as He expected His disciples to be prepared.
Meanwhile, the disciples’ slumber highlights the importance of staying awake in our faith. Their designated task – to watch and pray – represented a specific window of opportunity. However, their failure to fulfill this responsibility underscores the importance of vigilance in our own lives.
The Lord’s question, “Are you still sleeping and resting?” emphasizes the urgency of our calling. Just as the disciples missed their opportunity to support Jesus, we risk missing opportunities to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives if we remain passive.
Furthermore, the “hour” signifies a limited timeframe. The disciples, mistakenly believing they had endless time, failed to fulfill their duty even within the allotted period. We must be aware that our time on earth is finite, and we cannot afford to waste it.
The message is clear: it’s time to wake up! God has equipped us with the capacity to fulfill our Christian duties. We cannot afford to indulge in spiritual slumber while neglecting our divine assignments.
This is not a general call to someday be active. The Lord is knocking on your heart today. Perhaps this is your first opportunity to rise and answer His call. Don’t wait until the window of opportunity closes. Seize the moment and embrace the purpose God has for you.
In conclusion, the story of the sleeping disciples serves as a powerful reminder. We must be vigilant in our faith, using the time entrusted to us wisely. Let us rise from slumber and wholeheartedly fulfill the responsibilities God has placed upon us. Remember, the grace bestowed upon you has a purpose. Don’t let it be in vain by remaining asleep to your calling.
