And again Jesus returned and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
43. And found them sleeping again. This drowsiness arose neither from excessive eating and drinking, nor from gross stupidity, nor even from effeminate indulgence of the flesh, but rather—as Luke tells us—from immoderate sorrow. Hence we perceive more clearly how strong is the tendency of our flesh to indifference; since even dangers lead us to forgetfulness of God.
And he left them, and went away again,.... At some little distance from them; they being so overpowered with sleep, that he could have no conversation with them: and prayed the third time; as the Apostle Paul did, when under temptation, he prayed thrice that it might depart from him, Co2 12:8, saying the same words: the Arabic version renders it, "in the words which...