It’s hard to imagine that the disciples could be sleeping at a time like this. Jesus had asked them to join Him for an intense time of prayer.
He had called them way from the crowds, eaten a private meal with them, washed their feet (how emotional that must have been), and explained more about the dreadful things that were about to take place.
They then went to the garden. It must have been a somber mood. He asked them to pray and watch while He went on a little farther to pray alone.
And they . . . went to sleep.
Again, that’s hard to imagine. Until we realize that we are as sluggish as they. The hour of Christ’s return draws nearer every day. Many around us are still outside of Christ. So many in our world have never heard that there is a Savior who loves them.
We have the call. We have the obligation. We know the Savior.
And yet, we sleep. We intend to wake up. We plan to report for duty. But not yet. Surely there will be time. Later.
But when we say yes to God, He’s looking for a “right now” response, not a “later” one. He’s speaking now. Let us respond now.
“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
(Matthew 24:42 ESV)