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.” (Matthew 26:30–35 ESV)
26 “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.” (Mark 14:26–31 ESV)
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31–34 (ESV)
“When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.” (John 18:1 ESV)
As we consider the various views concerning the events of Jesus’ Passion Week, it is wise to compare the four gospel accounts. Today, we examine Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial.
First, Jesus predicted all of His disciples would fall away because of Him. To fall away (σκανδαλίζω; skandalizo) means to sin and disbelieve. By deserting Jesus because of the soon, unfolding events culminating in the crucifixion, the disciples would sin by ceasing to trust in, depend upon, commit to and honor the Lord. Jesus knew this would happen because Scripture prophesied it would happen (Zechariah 13:7). Like sheep who scatter when the shepherd is killed, so also would the disciples scatter because of the Lord’s death on the cross.
“The disciples, our Savior says, will soon abandon Him, just as sheep run when their shepherd is struck down (Matt. 26:31). Once again Jesus reveals that He is fully aware of all that is to happen and, therefore, because He does not try to escape, willingly submits to the evil that men are soon to inflict on Him. Furthermore, striking Christ will fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 13:7,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“Since the Lord’s sword is what strikes in Zechariah 13, Jesus must mean that His death, though carried out by wicked men, is due ultimately to the “definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:22–23). In a real sense the Father strikes His Son down on the cross, but that does not excuse the sin of the authorities, nor does it make God an evildoer. As the church father Jerome writes, “The good shepherd is struck…that he may lay down his life for his sheep and that out of many flocks of wandering sheep there may be one flock and one shepherd” (Matthew 4.26.31). God has a good and noble intent in the death of His Son, but the human executioners seek only destruction.”
Second, Jesus also predicted He would rise from the dead. Death would not have the final say. He promised he would meet with the disciples in Galilee. Jesus provided hope, confident assurance even in anticipation of the hell on the cross.
However, Peter and the other disciples insisted they would not abandon Jesus. Peter was most emphatic. He was willing to not only argue with Jesus, but also in pride contrast himself, and condemn, the other disciples. He knew he would not desert and deny Jesus. How little he knew. We will examine Jesus’ extended response to Peter when next we meet.
In his commentary on Matthew, Dr. James M. Boice says that today’s passage is encouraging because it affirms that Christianity is for weak people (p. 563). “Zechariah 13 says that though believers may sinfully abandon their master, He will not abandon them and will present them as a holy people to His Father.”
If you have sinned this day, it is not too late to seek God’s forgiveness. Repent and return to Him and in so doing demonstrate you are one of His sheep.
Soli deo Gloria!
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