That gap between good intentions and reality is complex. It has elements of discipline, emotions, and it also has a spiritual realm. But all three may be interconnected beyond our understanding. 

In both Matthew 26:41 and Mark 14:38, Jesus instructs his disciples to “watch and pray” so they’ll not fall into temptation, saying, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Jesus was about to face the cruelest abuse and torture ever in his life, and he knew its severity. But his disciples didn’t have a clue, although they were alerted by Jesus regarding what would happen. Although Jesus would face the most severe physical result of this, it would be different for Jesus. 

We can all relate to the concept of a willing spirit and a weak spirit. We face it in our daily life in relationships, work, commitments, and in our spiritual lives. These are common struggles for all of us. 

But Jesus’ solution to watch and pray must be examined carefully. The struggles we face are physical, emotional, and the stuff of this world. But Jesus recognized that the greater struggle is in the spiritual realm which must be addressed through prayer. Otherwise, he would have given them a motivational speech to overcome the upcoming struggles. 

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