Devo: Matthew 26:36-46

“Jesus found victory at the cross by succeeding in the struggle in Gethsemane. Peter – just like us – failed in later temptation because he failed to watch and pray. The spiritual battle is often won or lost before the crisis comes.” enduringword.com

Prayer is very powerful. Temptations are overcome when we pray. When we pray, we enter the presence of God. We talk to the sovereign God. Many sins will be avoided if we will soak ourselves in prayer. Peter could have avoided denying Jesus if he watched and prayed. His mistake, however, is used as an example to us all that when we neglect prayer, we fail.

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” V. 41

“Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” Matthew 26:45-46

This is painful. Jesus knew what would happen to Him but He did not escape it. Instead, He faced it. He knew they would kill Him but He went to meet the people who arrested Him and His betrayer. However, if Jesus didn’t obey God the Father and didn’t love us, we wouldn’t be saved.

Thank You, Father God in heaven, for your tremendous love for us that You sacrificed Your Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross.