Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:41

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." — Matthew 26:41 (ASV)

Jesus returns to his disciples—i.e., the inner three—and finds them sleeping. Jesus’ question is addressed to Peter but is in the plural and therefore includes all three . On “watch and pray,” see comment on Mk 14:38.

It is doubtful that “so that you will not fall into temptation” means only “so that you will stay awake and not fall into the temptation to sleep.” Rather, he tells them that only urgent prayer will save them from falling into the coming “temptation” (GK 4280; 6:13). Even in his own extremity, when he needs and seeks his Father’s face, Jesus thinks of the impending but much lesser trial his followers will face. He speaks compassionately: “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Spiritual eagerness is often accompanied by carnal weakness—a danger amply experienced even by us today.