John Calvin Commentary Matthew 26:45

"Then cometh he to the disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." — Matthew 26:45 (ASV)

Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is clear enough that Christ now speaks ironically, but we must, at the same time, pay attention to the object of the irony.

For Christ, having gained nothing by warning His disciples, not only gives an indirect reproof of their indifference, but threatens that, however indolent they may choose to be, no further delay will be allowed them.

The meaning, therefore, is: “Having until now wasted My words on you, I shall now come to exhort you; but whatever permission I may give you to sleep, the enemies will not allow it to you, but will compel you to watch against your will.” In Mark, it is accordingly added, It is enough—as if He had said that there is no more time for sleeping.

And this is the way in which the Lord usually chastises the indolence of people, so that those who grow deaf to words may at length be compelled by their sufferings to arouse themselves. Let us, therefore, learn to give immediate attention to the words of the Lord, lest what He wishes to draw from us voluntarily is ultimately forced from us by necessity, when it is too late.