What did Jesus mean when He told the disciples to watch and pray?

Bible Question:

Jesus told His disciples to “watch and pray. ” I need more insight to “watch. ” Are there any other connotations to it, and what does it mean in the Greek? ”

Bible Answer:

Jesus told His disciples to “watch and pray” several times. This phrase occurs only three times in the New Testament. Here they are,

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (KJV) Matthew 26:41

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. (KJV) Mark 13:33

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (KJV) Mark 14:38

The Greek word for “watch” in Matt 26:41 and Mark 14:38 is the same. It is GREGOPEO. It has the sense of being “vigilant,” “to keep awake,” “to be on the alert,” and “to keep one’s eyes open.” In Mark 13:33 a different Greek word, AGRYPNEO, is used for “watch.” This word means “to be sleepless,” or “to keep oneself awake for the purpose of watching.” The two Greek words are similar but different, the later one having an emphasis on not sleeping.

Conclusion:

All of these passages deal with moments of crisis. In Matthew, Jesus warned His disciples to remain spiritually awake for the purpose of not falling into sin. This is a great reminder for us to be watchful in order to flee sin and trust in Him.