From the Garden

"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.' And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, 'So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.'" 
Matthew 26:40-41

Actions speak louder than words- no louder an action than that of the cross.  Jesus, God in flesh, nailed to a wooden cross to pay the penalty of my sin, your sin, our sin. He absorbed His own righteous wrath on our behalf.  He took our punishment and paid our debt. He allowed his flesh to be beaten, broken, battered. He gave up his spirit.  These actions roar of grace. 

Grace, extending to one that which he has not earned and does not deserve. They declare mercy. 

Mercy, withholding from one that which he truly deserves. 

His action rang so loud.  However, it all was preceded by prayer.  Jesus humbles his flesh before God in the Garden of Gethsemane.  In agony, he prayed more earnestly (Luke 22:44). The author of all found it good practice to pray. Though he knew what was required of him, he found himself on bended knee.  

As the betrayer approached, however, Peter, who had been sleeping and not praying, hastily drew his sword and cut off the ear of an arresting officer. In the hours to follow, Peter denies his Lord three times and hides for fear of men.  The gentle, yet bold contrast in this story has never been more obvious to me than at this moment. Watch and pray that you may not fall into temptation.  The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is so weak. God commands action but compelled by the Holy Spirit, not weakening emotions of the flesh. 

And now, may I look to my Jesus who acted against sin with humility and prayer and not as Peter, for whom is much grace because of the action of the cross.