The behavior of the disciples at this critical moment is almost infuriating. Falling asleep? Several times? Drawing a sword to defend Jesus, as if that had ever been preached by him? Deserting him after he was arrested? It’s a small wonder the church ever came into existence at all. But we mustn’t be too hard on them. These poor guys were taking in a lot that night, and it probably was past their bedtime. Would you think the Son of God needed your paltry defensive effort to keep him safe? Three people, no less? And yet all of this became part of the execution of God’s plan. Even in the midst of failure and shame, God is still at work. It’s as true today as it was then.