Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray. For comment on what is involved in the “watch” the Christian is to keep see on ch. 24:42. For the manner in which Christ prepared to meet temptation see 2T 200-215 — He fasted, engaged in the most earnest prayer, and committed Himself wholly to God. For comment on effective prayer see on Matt. 6:5-13; Luke 11:1—9; 18:1-8.

Into temptation. See on ch. 6:13.

The spirit. That is, the higher powers of the mind. Compare Paul’s experience as related in Rom. 7:15 to 8:6.

Willing. Gr. prothumos, “ready,” “inclined,” “disposed.” Earlier this very night they had given evidence of their willingness of mind (see vs. 33-35).

The flesh. That is, natural tendencies and desires as stimulated by the senses. By “flesh” NT writers generally refer to the lower nature of man, as represented by the various appetites or cravings (see Rom. 8:3; etc.).

Weak. Jesus does not excuse the “flesh” for being “weak,” but sets forth this weakness as the reason for needing to “watch and pray.” The comparative ease with which the disciples repeatedly fell asleep in this hour of crisis is the weakness Christ here refers to particularly (see on v. 40).