If one could part the veil between the natural and spirit, as Elisha once did, to look upon the forces aligning for spiritual warfare in this climatic pivotal moment in man's history, his heart would fail him for what he would see. Jesus has accepted the challenge, taken command, and has been on the attack since the outset of His ministry (one can only imagine what He endured to remain sinless during His youth). Those forces will be brought to bear upon Him in the Garden, although unsuccessfully; strengthened by the angels, He will go forth into His Hour for our victory!

These raw recruits (11 disciples) have yet to experience the lash of Satan's whip, but soon they shall. Jesus will now give them words of encouragement as they take up the battle in His absence, drawing Satan's attention and fury upon themselves. His next words, in our next lesson, may seem to ring hollow for this disturbing moment, but they will come as comfort later, brought by the Spirit to their remembrance when they stand face to face in the future against these same forces of Hell. Their souls will come to hang on the hope of these very words they for this moment don't fully understand; however, for now, they will cling to His side until He is violently taken from them. As Peter earlier had declared for them all:
"To whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life."