Pastor and theologian John Piper writes, “Prayer is a walkie-talkie for warfare, not a domestic intercom for increasing our conveniences.”

In the previous episode of our salvation story, Jesus warned his disciples about the hardships that they would face. Despite the privilege of being called apostles, who would one day rule and reign with Jesus, they were called to sacrificially serve. Despite Peter’s overconfident protests, they would all be spiritually sifted by Satan. Different from their previous mission in which they experienced success, now they would experience opposition. Just like Jesus, the disciples were called to suffer. 

Their immediate response was to take up arms. They scrummaged around and found a couple of swords, ready to fight to the death. However, as we continue to read, we see that Jesus modeled for them a more powerful weapon, earnest prayer. 

Jesus was about to face the single greatest trial and temptation of his life. This would make those 40 days in the wilderness seem like child’s play. Burdened by the thought of bearing in his body the sin of the world, Jesus cried out to the Father. 

In a sad bit of irony, while Jesus agonized in prayer, the disciples fell asleep, symbolizing their vulnerability in the midst of spiritual battle. Jesus’ prayer in the garden of Gethsemane on the night that he was betrayed serves as a wake-up call for us all. Trials and temptations are sure to come. But God strengthens us when we pray.