Matthew 26

• Matthew 26:40-41 (NIV) ⁴⁰  Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. ⁴¹  "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Even in the hour of His greatest anguish Jesus was still discipling His followers.  He knew that the hour of His death was imminent and He has downloaded so much to them at the last supper but now here He was encouraging and teaching them still.  

I am sure that the disciples had good reason to be asleep; they were tired after a few very long days.  They had just eaten a meal and we all know how drowsy we get after a good meal.  They were probably confused and deeply saddened by Jesus’ words and sleep is a way to escape the stress.  However in this moment all the excuses, rational and good as they seemed, were not adequate, they needed to be praying and they were not so the discipler (teacher) admonished them.  You need to be watchful and praying so that you will not fall into temptation.  Always be on your guard, always be praying because it is so easy to succumb to temptation and have good reasons why it was okay.

As we continue to encourage people to be in discipling relationships at DSC it is important to understand the nature of discipleship. 
Discipleship is more than an accountability relationship.  In the discipleship relationship a more mature person is helping a young in the faith person to grow and mature. 
It requires that the person being taught submit to the “teacher.” 
It requires that the teacher admonish, reprove, correct, encourage and instruct not from a high-handed, know-it-all point of view but out of a deep love and concern for the person they are discipling.
It requires that both people must commit to spending time together.  Discipleship does not work well as a long distance, once in a while thing.

And as Jesus demonstrated in this passage - discipleship takes place in the good and difficult moments of life.  Even in the middle of personal turmoil and heartache Jesus was committed to teaching His followers so that they would grow into their destiny.

I know that many people would say that they just don’t have time to be discipled but the truth is that if we are Christ-followers then we must make time for this - it is the command of Jesus.

Who are you discipling?
Who is discipling you?