John Calvin 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)

Watch and pray. Since the disciples were unmoved by their Master’s danger, their attention is directed to themselves, so that a conviction of their own danger might arouse them. Christ therefore threatens that, if they do not watch and pray, they may soon be overwhelmed by temptation. It is as if he had said, “Though you show no concern for me, at least do not fail to think of yourselves, for your own interests are involved, and if you do not take care, temptation will immediately swallow you up.” For to enter into temptation means to yield to it.²⁰⁶

And let us observe that the manner of resistance enjoined here is not to draw courage from reliance on our own strength and perseverance but, on the contrary, from a conviction of our weakness, to ask for arms and strength from the Lord. Our watching, therefore, will be of no use without prayer.

The spirit indeed is willing. So that he might not terrify and discourage his disciples, he gently reproves their laziness and adds consolation and good reason for hope. First, he reminds them that although they earnestly desire to do what is right, they still must contend with the weakness of the flesh. Therefore, prayer is never unnecessary.

We see, then, that he praises their willingness so that their weakness might not throw them into despair, and yet he urges them to prayer because they are not sufficiently endowed with the power of the Spirit. Therefore, this admonition properly relates to believers who, being regenerated by the Spirit of God, desire to do what is right but still labor under the weakness of the flesh. For though the grace of the Spirit is vigorous in them, they are weak according to the flesh.

And though the disciples alone have their weakness pointed out to them here, yet since what Christ says of them applies equally to all, we ought to draw from it a general rule: it is our duty to keep diligent watch by praying. For we do not yet possess the power of the Spirit to such an extent as to prevent us from falling frequently through the weakness of the flesh, unless the Lord grants His assistance to raise us up and uphold us.

But there is no reason why we should tremble with excessive anxiety, for an undoubted remedy is offered to us—one that we will not lack, nor need to search for, nor seek in vain. For Christ promises that all who, being earnest in prayer, perseveringly oppose the laziness of the flesh, will be victorious.

²⁰⁶ “Succomber et estre viencu;” — “to yield and to be overcome.”;” — “to yield and to be overcome.”