And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Ver. 40. And he cometh unto the disciples] They were his care in the midst of his agony. So was Peter, upon whom he found time to look back when he stood to answer for his life. So was the penitent thief, whose prayer Christ answered, even when he hung upon the tree, and was paying dear for his redemption. Our High Priest bears the names of all his people on his shoulders and on his breast, so that he cannot be unmindful of them. Behold he hath graven them upon the palms of his hands, their walls are continually before him, Isaiah 49:16, he loveth to look upon the houses where they dwell.
And findeth them asleep] When he should have found them at prayer for him. Prayer is the creature of the Holy Ghost; and unless he hold up men's eyes therewhile, even Peter, James, and John will fall asleep in prayer, and put up yawning petitions to God.
And saith unto Peter] Who had promised so much forwardness, and stood in so great a danger above the rest, Luke 22:31,33. For Satan earnestly desired to deal with him (εξητησατο); he challenged Peter forth, as Goliath called for one to combat with. And was it for them to sleep then; or, with Agrippa's dormouse, not to awake till boiled in lead?
What? could ye not watch with. me, &c.] How then will ye do to die with me, as erst ye promised me? If the footman have wearied you, "how will ye contend with horses?" Jeremiah 12:5. If you cannot endure words, how will you endure wounds? If ye cannot strive against sin, how will ye resist unto blood? Hebrews 12:4. If ye cannot burn your finger with Bilney, your right hand with Cranmer, how will you bear the burning of your whole body? Alice Coberly, being piteously burnt in the hand by the keeper's wife, with a hot key which she cunningly sent her to fetch, revoked.