By: Sophia Glatter, Grade 11
Passage: Matthew 26:36 to 46
“‘Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’” Matthew 26:41
It’s so easy to forget the things that truly matter. For example, people remember their loved one’s names, but how many can truly say they know the deepest thoughts of the people they love?
Many people live their regular lives during a holiday time without thinking about the meaning of the holiday. Easter is especially prone to being overlooked. Days turn into weeks and with each passing one the true meaning of Easter dwindles in our minds.
The world objectifies most holidays and Easter is no exception. Eggs and the Easter bunny have taken over the hearts and minds of children and adults alike. With conflicting messages about Easter, it’s easy to feel or get lost. Jesus is an exception. When he prays in the garden of Gethsemane, he warns the disciples about the dangers of giving into the flesh because of temptation.
Temptation clouds the mind and doesn’t let us see the light of Christ. Instead, we are attracted to the other lights around us – each one promising the ‘truth.’ The Holy Spirit cautions us “to watch and pray so that we should not fall into temptation.”
It’s easy to rush through the darkness of the cross and the victory of Christ when we are tempted by the pomp and pizzazz the world has to offer. In these moments, turning to the Spirit is essential. By training our focus on Jesus we forget about ourselves and choke temptations away.
Just like Jesus prayed and watched for the Father’s plan, we must be aware of what God expects from us at Easter. God is willing to work in our hearts, but the flesh will fight against his work unless we resist it. As Easter approaches, let us take Jesus’ words to heart – to lean on the Holy Spirit and resist the temptations of the world, as Jesus did in Gethsemane.
Prayer
Dear God,
Help me to never forget the true meaning of Easter. Help me to treasure you more than the distractions of the world. When temptation comes, help me to lean on you to show me the truth despite the lies that surround me. I pray that I will grow more grateful every day for Jesus dying on the cross to take away my sins. I thank you for the gift of the cross because now I have the Holy Spirit with me to battle against temptation. Please help me to never lose sight of how amazing you are.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.