The evidence of the weakness of his disciples excited the pity and sympathy of the Son of God. He questioned their strength to endure the test they must undergo in witnessing his betrayal and death. He did not sternly upbraid them for their weakness, but, in view of their coming trial, exhorted them: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Then, his spirit moving in sympathy with their frailty, he framed an excuse for their failure in duty toward him: “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” {3SP 98.1}

(98) Disciplenes svaghed opvakte Guds Søns medlidenhed. Han tvivlede på, om de kunne udholde den prøve, de måtte gennemgå, når de blev vidne til hans forrådelse og død. Han irettesatte dem ikke strengt for deres svaghed, men formanede dem med hensyn til den prøve, som forestod dem: "Våg og bed, for at I ikke skal falde i fristelse!" Hans ånd havde medfølelse for deres svaghed, og han fremførte en undskyldning for deres efterladenhed i at udføre deres pligter mod ham: "ånden er villig, men kødet er skrøbeligt." (Mark 14,38)