Matthew 26:40 Commentary - Abbott's Illustrated New Testament

Verse 40

It is shown, in a very striking manner, how entirely human was the nature with which the Divine Word was clothed, in becoming flesh, (John 1:14,) by the strong desire of the sufferer to relieve the sense of loneliness and terror that oppressed him, on this dreadful night, by the feeling that friends were near, watching against the impending danger, though he well knew that it was a danger which there was no hope or possibility of averting. To find, in the mere presence and sympathy of friends, an illusion of safety, which beguiles and soothes the heart, while the reason sees too clearly that this presence and sympathy can be of no real avail, is peculiarly and distinctively human. And when we consider thus the nature of the support which the vigilant interest of his friends would have afforded the solitary sufferer, a deep and melancholy meaning is imparted to the gentle reproach, "Could ye not watch with me one hour?"