What is the meaning of Luke 22:46? “Why are you sleeping?” Jesus literally found the disciples dozing while He agonized in Gethsemane (Luke 22:45). • Their physical sleep mirrored a spiritual drowsiness. Paul later warns, “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber” (Romans 13:11) and “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain alert and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). • Spiritual lethargy dulls sensitivity to God’s will; Ephesians 5:14 urges, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” • By asking, Jesus exposes the gap between their profession of loyalty (Luke 22:33) and their actual readiness. Scripture is perfectly accurate in showing that even sincere believers can nod off at crucial moments, reminding us to stay vigilant. “He asked.” The Savior’s gentle question calls for self-examination, not condemnation. • Jesus often uses questions to surface the heart, as when He asked Andrew, “What do you seek?” (John 1:38) or Philip, “Where can we buy bread?” (John 6:5). • His personal address highlights relationship: the Shepherd speaks directly to His sheep (John 10:3-4). • Because every word in Scripture is trustworthy, the inclusion of this brief phrase underscores that Christ engages us conversationally, inviting honest response rather than mere obedience by rote. “Get up and pray” Jesus provides a clear, literal command with two parts: rise and pray. • Action: “Get up.” Faith never excuses passivity; Elijah was told, “Get up and eat” to continue his mission (1 Kings 19:5-7). • Intercession: “Pray.” Earlier that night Jesus had modeled this, “He withdrew... knelt down and prayed” (Luke 22:41). • Prayer is the primary defense of the believer. Paul instructs, “Pray in the Spirit at all times... stay alert” (Ephesians 6:18). • A simple list researchers find helpful: – Withdraw (Mark 1:35) – Focus on the Father’s will (Matthew 6:10) – Persist (Luke 18:1) – Align with Scripture promises (Philippians 4:6-7) “so that you will not enter into temptation.” Here Jesus states the purpose: prayer prevents defeat before temptation strikes. • He taught the same in Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” • Prayer positions us to receive the promised escape: “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Temptation itself is not sin; yielding is (James 1:14-15). By praying, we remain under God’s protection: “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation” (2 Peter 2:9). • Jesus’ directive is literal, immediate, and universal—every disciple needs this safeguard. summary Luke 22:46 records Jesus confronting sleeping disciples, inviting honest self-assessment, commanding active prayer, and revealing prayer’s power to keep us from falling. By trusting every word of Scripture and responding promptly—wake up, rise, and pray—we stand alert against temptation and walk faithfully with our Lord. |
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