Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

This statement was made by Christ while He was in the Garden, just before His betrayal and crucifixion. He is admonishing some of His disciples about the dangers of temptation and what they can do to “not enter into” its power.

“Watch” – They were to give cautious attention to the events and circumstances taking place in that moment and in their lives as apostles.

“Pray” – Jesus serves as the example of one who prays earnestly for strength to overcome temptations. Read Luke’s account in Luke 22:44.

“Enter not” – While there is no escape from the actuality of temptation, one does not have to enter into its power.

“The spirit and the flesh” This reminds me of Paul’s words in Romans 7 about the battle between the spirit and flesh. Temptation is from the fleshly appetites mentioned in 1 John 2:16, while the spirit of a good-hearted person wants to serve God.

We all need to pay attention to our Lord’s admonition because temptation is very much apart of everyone’s life. So remember, “Watch and pray.”

Terry Starling