DEVOTION / Watch & Pray

Spy Wednesday

I just learned something.  Did you know that some churches call the Wednesday of Holy Week "Spy Wednesday"? I didn't. The tradition is that this was the day Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. The idea is to watch out for Judas (the spy) who looks like a faithful disciple, but inside is a traitor. 

Watchful Wednesday

I'll be honest. "Spy Wednesday" sounds weird to me! What about "Watchful Wednesday" based on Jesus’ request to his disciples?  "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). That command was given in the garden of Gethsemane while Jesus was wrestling with his Father in prayer. 

"Watch and pray" seems like good advice to all believers at all times -- whether it's "Holy Week" or just because, on our own, we are "wholly weak." 

"Holy Week" or "Wholly Weak"?

Jesus' disciples didn't do well at heeding their Master's words. They fell asleep and moments later totally deserted Him.  They were "wholly weak." 

Jesus asked them to pray so they would not fall into temptation. While Jesus' soul was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Matthew 26:38),  his disciples had fallen asleep! On their own, they were "wholly weak."  

I'm sure they had good intentions. They loved their Savior. They wanted to do what he told them. But like us, their weakness betrayed them. It reminds me of my spiritual life.  Do you find yourselves feeling the same way? 

Following Jesus this Holy Week

This Holy Week believers like us will watch our Savior journey to the cross.  It is a painful journey because we know it was our sins that drove him there.  With sorrow, we know that we are weak and have fallen into temptations so many times.   

Still, we can trace Jesus' journey to the cross with the sure knowledge that this is not a sad ending, but the happy beginning of forgiveness and redemption for all our sins.  Yes, for our sins and the sins of the whole world! 

Indeed, on our own we are "wholly weak," but with Jesus -- the Almighty Lord -- at our side, we are also "wholly" redeemed and forgiven. 

This Holy Week, follow Jesus' command to "watch and pray" and know that he is always watching and praying over you! 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you know we are weak and easily overwhelmed. Yet, through you, we have hope and redemption. Strengthen us; help us through your Spirit to truly watch and pray. Open our lips to share your Good News with the world.