Matthew 26:31-Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”
Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”
And so said all the disciples.”
Well, the celebration is over and now it’s time for some hard truth. Jesus warns the disciples that they are all going to desert him. We might wonder if this number really includes John, since John is at the high priest’s house and also at the crucifixion. But Jesus is not about to single out John, and we don’t know that kind of soul-searching John may have done between the trial and the crucifixion.
Why is Jesus warning his disciples about their coming desertion? Jesus knows that eventually the disciples will be so ashamed of themselves that if he does not warn them ahead of time, they may try to commit suicide or hide themselves in shame. Neither of those acts will help the infant church, so Jesus promises that he will meet them in Galilee.
What about Peter and his assertions of faithfulness? Jesus knows Peter well. Peter is rough and tough, although very loyal. But Jesus knows that even Peter is going to crumple under social pressure and the possibility that his family could be slaughtered because he is a follower of Jesus.
Here, Jesus sets us an important example Even though Jesus knows that even his own disciples with whom he has traveled, ministered, slept, played, laughed, and wept for three years will deny they have ever known him. In many respects, this betrayal is as painful as the physical suffering; yet, it is necessary, for Jesus must become the Lord of all who suffer for their faith. It’s not merely the sins of the world that Jesus is assuming but also the agony of betrayals.
How can we survive when our nearest and dearest desert us and sell us out to our enemies? We must trust God, not humans. God is the only One who can give us peace and joy and God is the only One who will give us the strength to survive such sufferings. Let us beg God to help us, so that we will remain steadfast, no matter what.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to remain faithful, even in the face of persecution or death. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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