The Watch Party

1. On election night, politicians have “watch parties” in anticipation of their victories. Sometimes they last deep into the night, and sometimes they wind up quickly. Hillary Clinton’s 2016 election night watch party at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City stretched well into the early morning hours of November 9, 2016, as vote counts continued to come in and her campaign hoped for a decisive outcome. As the night wore on, the mood among supporters dimmed, and by around 2 a.m. ET, campaign chairman John Podesta addressed the crowd, urging them to head home and get some sleep because results were still coming in and there would be more to say the next day. She conceded later that morning.

2. There are many types of watches. The Firefighter Who Checked One More Time

A veteran firefighter once told of a massive warehouse blaze. The structure was unstable, the mission was nearly complete, and the command to withdraw had been given. But before leaving, he ran back one last time—not for equipment, not for reputation—but because a young trainee might still be inside.

The mission was enormous. Yet one inexperienced firefighter mattered.

3. On the night before the cross, Jesus faced the greatest redemptive act in history, yet He paused to care about Peter sleeping in Gethsemane.

4. Matthew 26:40-41

I. A Passover Pattern of Preparation

A. The “Night of Watching” Exodus 12:42 It was a night of watching by the Lord, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the Lord by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.

1. Israel remembered how, at the Red Sea, they stood through the night while God held back Egypt and dried the path for the Hebrews (Exodus 14:13–14, 19–20).

2. Redemption came—but only after a night of waiting and watching.

B. In Gethsemane, the Passover pattern repeats.

1. God is again preparing deliverance.

2. But this time, the Lamb Himself is watching and praying.

Practical Application:

• There are seasons when God seems silent, but He is preparing something decisive.

• Night seasons are not wasted seasons.

• Faithfulness in the dark prepares you for a challenge and a breakthrough in the morning.

II. Jesus Was Not Escaping the Cross

A. Jesus was not retreating from His mission:

• John 10:18 — “No one takes it from me.”

• Luke 9:51 — He set His face toward Jerusalem.

• Hebrews 12:2 — He endured the cross for joy set before Him.

B. His concern in Gethsemane includes the disciples’ coming test.

Luke 22:31–32 reveals He was praying specifically for Peter. 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you [plural], that he might sift you [plural], like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” [Each You is singular in v. 32]

Practical Application:

• Mature faith does not eliminate struggle—it brings surrender.

• When facing major assignments, do not neglect the spiritual preparation of those around you.

• Leadership is not only about finishing your mission; it is about strengthening others for theirs.

III. Confidence without Vigilance is Dangerous.

A. Peter had led the disciples to boldly promise loyalty: Mark 14:31 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

B. Jesus gently exposes his vulnerability.

C. The command “Watch and pray” is plural, but Peter is addressed personally.

Practical Application:

• The louder we promise, the more consistent our prayer life must be.

• Spiritual overconfidence often precedes collapse (1 Corinthians 10:12). “I would never …” Get ready! For temptation is around the corner. Vulnerabilities need shoring up. David didn’t go to battle with his army, yet faced his battle with lust – and lost. Was he overconfident? The “Man after God’s Heart”?

• Ask yourself: Where am I assuming strength instead of seeking grace? Where should I be humble when I am

IV. Good Intentions Aren’t Enough “The Spirit Is Willing, but the Flesh Is Weak”

• My grandsons, “I didn’t mean to break it.” It’s still broken.

• Every January, gyms fill with sincere people. Memberships are purchased. Goals are declared. But by March, many treadmills are empty again. Intentions feel powerful in the moment of commitment. But only disciplined repetition produces endurance. The disciples pledged loyalty hours before they slept in the garden.

• A student sincerely plans to study for a final exam. He talks about it all week. But distractions win each evening. The night before the test, panic replaces confidence. The test exposes whether intention became action. Gethsemane was the study night. The courtyard of Caiaphas was the exam.