Willing but weak

The disciples could not overcome their sleepiness to stay awake and pray with Jesus for even one hour. Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mar 14:38) Indeed the apostles continued to struggle to bring their flesh in line with their spirit’s desires. They all fled for their lives when Jesus was arrested. Peter went on to deny that he knew Jesus. Paul confessed that he too was caught up in the struggle of flesh vs. spirit (Rom 7). Only Jesus is qualified to be the sacrificial lamb. The rest of us, even if we had the strength to offer our lives, would die for our own sin. We cannot do what Christ did for us (Rom 10:6-7). That is why we must trust in his work on our behalf.