Reading the Word

Matthew 26:30–35 (ESV)

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

Parallel Texts: Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38

Understanding and Applying the Word

After their meal together, Jesus and the disciples went out to the Mount of Olives. Imagine how the disciples must have felt when Jesus told them that they were all about to abandon him. Peter was quick to respond that there was no way he would ever abandon Christ. Peter proclaimed that he would stick by Jesus’ side even if all others deserted.

After Peter’s promise of allegiance, Jesus told him that he would soon deny Jesus three times, all before the rooster crowed to welcome the morning. Peter promised that he would even go to his death with Jesus. Notice that all of the other disciples made the same promise.

Peter, and the other disciples, made a promise that they could not keep on their own. They would soon find out that Jesus was correct in what he had said. They would desert him. The great thing is, Jesus’ love and forgiveness for his disciples was greater than their failure. Jesus sought them out and restored them after the resurrection. This is good news for all of us because we all fail to keep our promises and commitments. But Christ continues to love us and forgive us as he seeks our restoration and maturity. Do not let your failures or guilt keep you from turning to Jesus. His love and forgiveness are never ending.

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