Scripture: And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 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.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same. Matthew 26:30-35 ESV
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Observation: Recapping Friday’s Daily Focus, having addressed a betrayer in their midst, Jesus commences with the prescribed order of the seder meal (seder in Hebrews means “order”), but not entirely. He adds two new elements that will supersede the Passover meal for the church: the consumption of bread and wine representing his body and blood, which points us to his cross. Jesus then adds a somewhat mysterious comment about not drinking from the wine cup again until he “drinks it new” with them in his Father’s kingdom, thereby signaling his soon redemptive sacrifice will put an end to the repeated animal offerings for forgiveness of sins (a symbol of death). And he also likens the wine to his soon-poured-out blood at his crucifixion that will cover our sins in his righteousness. Meanwhile, his commands to take the elements further emphasize that he is replacing the Passover feast with his Holy Communion.
In today’s text, Jesus foretells Peter’s denial of his beloved incarnate Lord. As the scene intensifies, Matthew provides a transitional note that they sang a hymn and then proceeded to the Mount of Olives (where they will rest in the Garden of Gethsemane, their favorite resting spot while visiting Jerusalem). Once settled, Jesus presents more startling news: they all will abandon him and run for their lives. But their Lord offers hope: he will return to Galilee and reconnect with them once resurrected.
Following his usual manner of speaking before thinking, Peter blurts out that he won’t “fall away” when the going gets tough, even though the others will. But Jesus promptly addresses Peter’s arrogance and informs Peter that he will not only abandon him (implied) but will deny he even knew Jesus three times before the rooster crows to herald the dawn of day. Undeterred by Jesus’s prophecy, Peter insists he will not deny his Lord, and the others echo his sentiment.
Of note, Jesus draws on messianic Scripture to corroborate his prediction, for Zechariah foretold of a pierced shepherd (12:10) rejected by his flock (chapter 11), who is Yahweh’s side companion (13:7a). And once smitten, the shepherd’s flock will scatter (13:7b).
Takeaway: Peter, espousing false bravado, fails to listen and humbly reflect on Jesus’ prediction, and he leads the others in making the same hollow promise that none of them can fulfill by their willpower. So how is this any different than Judas’ folly? The difference isn’t that the Eleven are more godly, for they all fall way short of the mark outside Jesus’ soon-atoning death and first-fruit resurrection. The difference is how the Twelve respond. Judas, never a true believer (John 6:60-65), overwhelmed by his betrayal, commits suicide (Matthew 27:5) rather than repent and seek forgiveness. In contrast, the Eleven, who loved their Lord, will succumb to self-preservation over trust in him but will later repent, reconnect, and find restoration in their Savior.
The same is true for us. We may not be in touch with all the subtle ways we deny, abandon, and even betray Christ in our daily walk of faith, but every time we seek our will over his, we, in a sense, deny his goodness and forsake what is in our best interest. And we all have moments like Peter when we feel embarrassed or too fearful to disclose our faith in Christ. Indeed, we are no better than any of Jesus’ disciples. Fortunately, like the Eleven, we live in this age of the New Covenant of Grace, where we can sincerely confess our sins, humbly receive his forgiveness, and make course corrections (leaning on the guidance of the Holy Spirit). And just as his death is sufficient to cover our sins, his grace is enough to turn us around and keep us moving onward and upward (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your Son, who always trusted in your goodness and never abandoned, denied, or betrayed you. And we thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who strengthens and guides us in following your ways. Still, we confess that we continue to seek our will over yours in countless subtle ways. So would you please help us to grow in our knowledge and application of your Son’s grace so that we might be quick to repent and get back on course? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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