What does Mark 14:38 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Jesus then addressed all three disciples. He commanded them to be watchful (Gr. gregoreite, cf. Mark 13:34-35; Mark 13:37) and to pray (Gr. proseuchesthe, the general word for prayer). These activities are necessary to overcome temptation. This use of "flesh" is probably literal (i.e, the body) rather than metaphorical (i.e, the sinful human nature) since it contrasts with the human spirit (i.e, man"s volitional powers; cf. Psalm 51:12). [source][source]

[source]

Mark wrote that Peter was asleep three times ( Mark 14:37; Mark 14:40-41), and later he wrote that Peter denied Jesus three times ( Mark 14:68; Mark 14:70-71). The disciples should have been praying for themselves as well as for Jesus in view of what Jesus had told them was coming. [source][source]

[source]

"In the passion account, the disciples are ironic figures: Because of their incomprehension, they badly misconstrue the true nature of things. Thinking themselves to be astute, courageous, and loyal, they are in reality imperceptive, cowardly, and faithless. Entering upon the passion, the disciples yet follow Jesus in commitment to him. As events unfold, however, they will renounce their commitment through word or deed and apostatize." ^[1] [source]

"Spiritual wakefulness and prayer in full dependence upon divine help provide the only adequate preparation for crisis (cf. Ch. Mark 13:11)." ^[2] [source]

Context Summary

When the soul is overwhelmed, it seeks to be alone, and yet not too far from human sympathy and help. The three most trusted might enter the enclosure, but even they could not share the depth of the Master's anguish, which was so great as to threaten His very life. He cried to Him who could save Him from dying before His trial and sentence, and was saved from what He feared. Our Lord did not shrink from physical suffering, but from the horror of becoming sin-bearer for the race, and putting away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. His disciples failed Him, but as He submitted to the Father's will His spirit rose triumphant. Sleep on now-the past is irrevocable. The disciples fled as fast as their feet would carry them. If only they had prayed, they would have been steadfast and unmovable. There are good reasons for supposing that the young man mentioned here was Mark himself. [source]

Chapter Summary: Mark 14

¹  A conspiracy against Jesus
³  Expensive perfume is poured on his head by a woman
¹⁰  Judas sells his Master for money
¹²  Jesus himself foretells how he will be betrayed by one of his disciples;
²²  after the passover prepared, and eaten, institutes his last supper;
²⁶  declares beforehand the flight of all his disciples, and Peter's denial
⁴³  Judas betrays him with a kiss
⁴⁶  Jesus is apprehended in the garden;
⁵³  falsely accused and impiously condemned of the council;
⁶⁵  shamefully abused by them;
⁶⁶  and thrice denied by Peter