His Word Today

³⁹ “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” ⁴⁰ And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:39–41 (ESV)

³⁵ “And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” ³⁷ And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:35–38 (ESV)

³⁹ “And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹ And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ⁴³ And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴ And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵ And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶ and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39–46 (ESV)

What did Jesus mean when He said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak?” Was He referring to the Holy Spirit? I do not suspect so because the third person of the Trinity is God, and therefore not weak (John 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:12-15; Acts 5:1-4). What kind of flesh did Jesus mean? Was He referring to human skin and bone?

The word spirit (πνεῦμα; pneuma) literally means breath. More theologically, it refers to a non-material existence. Translators have chosen to not capitalize the word from the original Greek because the context determines its meaning. Therefore, Jesus was speaking of the human spirit or soul, the Imago Dei (Gen 1:26-27; John 4:24), in contrast to the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-6; 6:63). The word spirit refers to man’s intellect, emotions and will.

Flesh (σάρξ; sarx) can refer to the physical human body (Col 1:24). In the context of the disciples in Gethsemane, Jesus referred to their fallen, sinful and human nature. This is what the Apostle Paul means in Romans 7:4-6; 13-20).  

When believers in Christ face temptation, for which they are to watch and pray, their thinking, feelings and wills may be inclined to obey God. However, failure to watch and pray can result in succumbing to the temptation, resulting in sin (James 1:12-15). The spirit is willing and eager, but the flesh is morally weak.

“If in this nightly hour Jesus experienced the weakness of his own human nature, hence the need of prayer, we may be sure that this was far more seriously true in the case of the disciples. In the present passage “spirit” indicates man’s invisible entity viewed in its relation to God. As such it is the recipient of God’s favor and the means whereby man worships God,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

Have you experienced moments of resolution to obey Christ only to find attacks from the world, one’s remaining sinful flesh and the devil to be intense? It is easy to give in to a momentary lust, only to then grieve the resulting guilt and shame for having done so. We must be careful to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23-27).

The enemy roams
Like a roaring lion
Looking for the sleeping
Looking for the sleeping.

When he comes here
Let him find us keeping our promises
Holding to faithfulness
Down on our knees, eyes to the east.

Watch and pray
No one knows the moment
No one knows the hour
Or the day.

Watch and pray
Till you see Him coming
Coming through the clouds in white array
To take His bride away.

The King will appear
With a shout of glory
All the earth awaking
All the earth awaking.

Until He comes
Let us keep on taking the highest ground
Listening for the sound
Down on our knees, eyes to the east.

Watch and pray
No one knows the moment
No one knows the hour
Or the day.

Watch and pray
Till you see Him coming
Coming through the clouds in white array
To take His bride away.

Behold the Bridegroom
Behold the Bridegroom
He is coming soon
Prepare Him room.

Watch and pray
No one knows the moment
No one knows the hour
Or the day.

Watch and pray
Till you see Him coming
Coming through the clouds in white array
To take His bride away. – Twila Paris

Soli deo Gloria!

³⁹ “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” ⁴⁰ And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:39–41 (ESV)

³⁵ “And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” ³⁷ And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:35–38 (ESV)

³⁹ “And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹ And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ⁴³ And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴ And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵ And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶ and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39–46 (ESV)

What did Jesus mean when He said to the disciples “Watch and pray?” We must understand this phrase in the original context in order to apply it within our own.

To watch (γρηγορέω; gregoreo) is a present active imperative verb. In other words, it is a command to follow continually and actively by the individual. There can be no excuses. It means to not only be awake but also to be on the alert. This action is to be done with vigilant discipline.  

Coupled with this command to watch was the present, middle imperative to pray. The present middle verb format emphasizes the disciples’ personal responsibility and obedience regarding this command. Jesus holds them personally responsible. It is what He commanded them to do. Disciples to pray to the Lord for the strength to resist the temptation (James 4:7).

Realize the disciples were sleeping. They were not watching and they were not praying. They gave themselves over to their physical desire for sleep. Granted, they were tired and they were sorrowful, but so was Jesus and He was facing a far greater trial than any of us could ever imagine.

Why was it so important for the disciples to watch and pray? Why is it so important for disciples of Jesus today to do the same? The two commands remain in force.

Believers in Christ are to watch and pray in order to not enter into temptation. Temptation (πειρασμός; peirasmos) means to be trapped and to experience sin. To enter (εἰσέρχομαι; eiserchomai) means to experience an event or condition. In this context, to enter refers to experiencing a temptation to sin because the individual did not watch and pray.  

There are three opponents for the believer in Christ: the world, the flesh and the devil (Eph. 2:1-3). Consequently, there are three areas of temptation: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and pride of life (Gen. 3;1-7; Matt. 4;1-11; Luke 4;1-13; I John 2:15-17).

“Jesus taught His disciples to pray ‘Lead us not into temptation’ (Matt. 6:13), but at the crucial moment they failed to ask God for the strength to stand against Satan’s power, which was superior to theirs, but not to God’s (I Cor. 10:13; Eph. 6:10-12, 18-20),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“A person may be wide awake physically and may still succumb to temptation, but if he remains awake spiritually, that is, if with heart and mind he remains “on the alert” or “watchful,” he will overcome temptation,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

Complicating this dynamic is the conflict between the spirit and the flesh. We will examine Jesus statement, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak,” next time.

How may you watch and pray so as to not enter into temptation? Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

³⁹ “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” ⁴⁰ And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:39–41 (ESV)

³⁵ “And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” ³⁷ And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:35–38 (ESV)

³⁹ “And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹ And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ⁴³ And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴ And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵ And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶ and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39–46 (ESV)

All three of the Synoptic Gospels reveal specific details concerning Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Most, if not all, believers in Christ are aware of Jesus’ prayer before God the Father.

Gethsemane was a critical moment in Jesus’ life and ministry. It was a preparation prelude for what was to transpire in the upcoming hours culminating with the Lord’s substitutionary atonement on the cross for sinners. All the Old Testament prophecies, beginning with Genesis 3:15, were about to be fulfilled.

“Christ’s humanity is different than ours in that His grief and weakness is never mixed with sin. Jesus is not questioning His Father’s wisdom when He asks the cup (that is, God’s wrath; see Jer. 25:15; Zech. 12:2) to pass from Him (Matt. 26:39, 42, 44). Instead, while bowing to the Almighty’s will, He admits honestly His dread of what is to come upon Him — divine affliction for the sins of His people,” states John Calvin.

“Jesus trembles in Gethsemane “because he [has] before his eyes the dreadful tribunal of God, and the Judge himself armed with inconceivable vengeance; and because our sins, the load of which [is] laid upon him, [presses] him down with their enormous weight.”

“Our prayers, Jesus shows us, may honestly confess the anguish we may feel when faced with the prospect of suffering for the Lord’s name as long as we submit to God’s will, no matter the pain that may come about,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Jesus told His disciples on many occasions that He would be crucified (Matt. 16:21-23). He instructed His disciples that He was the fulfillment of the Passover (Matt. 26:26-29). In His High Priestly Prayer in the Upper Room, Jesus acknowledged He accomplished what God the Father sent Him to do (John 17:1-5).  

How did the disciples in general, and Peter, James and John in particular, react to Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane? Did they watch and pray with Him? Did they agonize for Him? They did not. They went to sleep.

“Sleeping at this hour, probably past midnight, was natural, especially after the exciting experiences in the Upper Room (the washing of the disciples’ feet, the revelation that one of The Twelve was going to betray his Master, the departure of Judas, the institution of the Lord’s Supper) and afterward (“All of you shall become untrue to me,” Peter’s protest, etc.). Nevertheless, these men should have stayed awake. They could have, had they only prayed for strength to do so. Though Christ’s gentle reprimand concerned all three—note the plural—yet it was addressed particularly to Peter, no doubt because in the matter of pledging his loyalty and even boasting about it he had taken the lead,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

Prayer was not the priority of Jesus’ disciples in Gethsemane. They went to sleep, ill prepared for what is to come (Matt. 26:40, 43, 45). Are we prayerfully prepared for what may occur in our lives as we live and serve the LORD?

Soli deo Gloria!

³⁹ “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” ⁴⁰ And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:39–41 (ESV)

³⁵ “And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” ³⁷ And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:35–38 (ESV)

³⁹ “And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹ And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ⁴³ And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴ And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵ And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶ and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39–46 (ESV)

All three of the Synoptic Gospels reveal specific details concerning Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Most, if not all, believers in Christ are aware of our Lord’s prayer on His own behalf before God the Father. Matthew records the prayer as follows. “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Lying prostrate, Jesus personally and continually prayed God the Father would not place upon Him, God the Son, His righteous wrath toward sin (Romans 1:18-20), symbolized by the word “cup”. Mark records Jesus praying the hour might pass. Mark also states Jesus addressed God the Father as Abba, referring to a childlike intimacy. Luke adds the detail of an angel from heaven strengthening Jesus (Luke 22:43).

“A cup is often the symbol of divine wrath against sin in the OT (Isa. 51:17, 22; Jer. 25:15–17, 27–29; Lam. 4:21–22; Ezek. 23:31–34; Hab. 2:16). The next day Christ would “bear the sins of many” (Heb. 9:28)—and the fullness of divine wrath would fall on him (Isa. 53:10–11; 2 Cor. 5:21). This was the price of the sin he bore, and he paid it in full. His cry of anguish in Matt. 27:46 reflects the extreme bitterness of the cup of wrath he was given,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

The intense prayer by the Lord is in stark contrast to the sleeping disciples. More to come.

Soli deo Gloria!

³⁷ And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. ³⁸ Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” (Matthew 26:37–38 (ESV)

³³ And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. ³⁴ And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” (Mark 14:33–34 (ESV)

At this moment in time, Judas Iscariot had left the Upper Room and was leading Jesus’ enemies to Gethsemane to arrest Him (John 18:1-3). Upon entering the garden, Jesus separated Himself from eight of His disciples and took Peter, James and John with Him alone. These three men formed Jesus’ intimate or inner circle (See Matthew 17).

“Christ separates Himself from most of His disciples, going off to pray with the three men who are closest to him — Peter, James, and John (Matt. 26:37; see 10:2; 17:1). Our Lord is about to enter His most difficult trial and, like all people, desires the support of good friends in His ordeal,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

It was then Jesus began to be sorrowful and troubled. The word sorrowful (λυπέω; lypeo) means to be grieved and distressed. It is a deep and great sadness. To be troubled (ἀδημονέω; ademoneo) refers to personal anguish. Due to the circumstances happening to Him, and would soon occur, Jesus was actively in anguish.

Jesus expressed this sorrow to the three disciples with Him. He said, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” To be very sorrowful (περίλυπος; perilypos) refers to deep grief.

“All the waves and the billows of distress came pouring over his soul. Cf. Ps. 42:7b. Why this terror and dismay? Was it because he knew that even now Judas was approaching—or preparing to approach—in order to deliver him to his enemies? Was it because he was painfully aware that Peter would deny him that the Sanhedrin would condemn him, Pilate sentence him, his enemies ridicule him, and the soldiers crucify him? No doubt all that was included,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

However, as the story develops we notice that it was especially this one thought, namely, that he, a most tender and sensitive soul, is more and more being driven into isolation. Many of the people have already left him (John 6:66). His disciples are going to forsake him (Matt. 26:56). Worst of all, on the cross he will be crying out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (27:46). Did he, perhaps, here in Gethsemane see this tidal wave of God’s wrath because of our sin coming? (Cf. Isa. 63:3).”

“Jesus, of course, is the incarnate, second person of the Trinity. Still, He is also truly human and His humanness is shown through His prayer in Gethsemane. Knowing what is ahead, our Savior begins to experience an anguish so profound that it feels like it might kill Him (Matt. 26:38). This tells us that to feel sorrow is not necessarily wrong, for Jesus grieves and is yet without sin (1 Peter 2:22). His grief, in fact, helps prove the fact that God became incarnate,” states Dr. Sproul.

John Calvin writes, “Those who imagine that the Son of God was exempt from human passions do not truly and sincerely acknowledge him to be a man.”

Soli deo Gloria!

“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” (Matthew 26:36 (ESV)

 “And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” (Mark 14:32 (ESV)

^“39And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39–40 (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)

Gethsemane was the place where Jesus and his disciples walked after they gathered in the upper room to observe the Passover. In Gethsemane, Jesus underwent great inner turmoil realizing the hour of his betrayal was at hand (Matt. 26:36–56; Mark 14:32–50; Luke 22:39–53). Gethsemane was/is an olive orchard on the west side base of the Mt. of Olives and near the Kidron Valley.

“The name Gethsemane, used only in the Gospels of Matthew (26:36) and Mark (14:32), means “oil press,” suggesting the presence of an olive grove. The use of the Greek word “place” in the Gospel accounts indicates that Gethsemane was an enclosed piece of ground. It may be that the grove was privately owned and that Jesus and his disciples had special permission to enter,” explains the Tyndale Bible Dictionary.

“Though the Gospels of Luke and John do not mention the word Gethsemane, they both record Jesus’ agony before his betrayal. Luke says the location was on the “Mount of Olives” (Luke 22:39). John describes the area as “across the Kidron Valley” (John 18:1); John’s is the only Gospel to call the spot a garden. From those accounts it is also evident that Jesus and his disciples gathered in Gethsemane often for fellowship and prayer (Luke 22:39; John 18:2). The Gospel narratives indicate that the garden was large enough for the group to separate into different parts of it.”

 It was in Gethsemane Jesus prayed in great agony in submitting to God the Father’s will. It would not be an easy prayer, but it was an obedient prayer. In your life, have you ever had a Gethsemane moment or experience? Every believer in does. The question is whether our prayers to God the Father mirror Jesus’ prayer?

In the garden he went to pray
When it seemed hope was gone
He prayed with a broken heart
He prayed all alone.

Have you had a Gethsemane?
Have you prayed in despair?
In the dark of those weary hours
Did the Lord meet you there?

Have you had a Gethsemane?
Have you prayed the night through?
Have you shed tears in agony
When no hope was in you?

Have you prayed, “If it be Thy will”?
May this cup pass from me?
But if it’s thy will, dear Lord
I will bear it for Thee.

Have you had a Gethsemane?
Have you prayed the night through?
Have you shed tears in agony
When no hope was in you?

Have you prayed, “If it be Thy will”?
May this cup pass from me?
But if it’s thy will, dear Lord
I will bear it for Thee. – Bill and Gloria Gaither

Soli deo Gloria!  

³⁰ “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” (Matthew 26:30 ESV)

²⁶ “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” (Mark 14:26 ESV)

Somewhat obscured in the dialogue concerning the disciples’ denial and desertion of Jesus was their singing and subsequent journey to the Mount of Olives. Both Matthew and Mark record Jesus and disciples singing a hymn. The Greek word for hymn (ὑμνέω; hymneo) means to sing a song of praise. In other words, to sing praises, certainly in some contexts, from the psalms of the Jewish Scripture (Matt. 26:30; Mark 14:26; Ac 16:25; Heb. 2:12).

“When they had hymned,” says the original. Since, as has been shown, the Lord’s Supper was the natural outgrowth of the Passover, it is probable that the hymns of praise that were lifted up to God were Pss. 115–118,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! ² For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 117 (ESV)

“Jesus and His disciples have finished the Passover meal, and today’s passage opens with their singing of a hymn (v. 30), most likely the second part of the Hallel (Pss. 114–118 or Pss. 115–118). Interestingly, one scholar says the disciples probably looked back on their singing with new insight after the resurrection. After all, Christ triumphs in His death and resurrection (Pss. 118:10, 22), establishing a foundation for proclaiming the praise of Yahweh to the nations (117:1),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“These are songs of praise, thanksgiving, and trust, as anyone can see by reading them. They not only constituted a fitting conclusion to the blessings enjoyed but also a most appropriate preparation for the ordeal that was about to begin,” states Dr. Hendriksen.

Jesus and his disciples, no longer twelve but eleven, then went to the Mount of Olives. They crossed the Kedron Valley and entered the Gethsemane grove, located at the foot of that mountain. See 26:36; cf. John 18:1.

The singing of praise preceded the perils to follow. Perhaps our singing of praise to the Lord throughout the week, and on the Lord’s Day, prepares us for the perils we face, and will face, in the days ahead. Have a blessed, and praise filled, day.

Sing to the King Who is coming to reign
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain
Life and salvation His Empire shall bring
And joy to the nations when Jesus is King.

Chorus

Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus
He is all we need
Lift up a heart of praise
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus
Sing to the King.

For His returning we watch and we pray
We will be ready the dawn of that day
We’ll join in singing with all the redeemed
‘Cause Satan is vanquished and my Jesus is King.—Billy & Cindy Foote

Chorus

Soli deo Gloria!

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!

²⁶ Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” ²⁷ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, ²⁸ for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26–28 ESV)

¹⁴ “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. ¹⁵ I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. ¹⁶ The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? ¹⁷ Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. ¹⁸ Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? ¹⁹ What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? ²⁰ No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. ²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. ²² Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?” (1 Corinthians 10:14–22 ESV)

The following article is from Tabletalk, Ligonier Ministries daily Bible study magazine. It originally appeared Nov. 19, 2008; author unknown. May the LORD encourage you by the following insights taken from I Corinthians 10:14-22).  

“Given that transubstantiation and consubstantiation are found wanting, it remains for us to try to define how Jesus is present in the Lord’s Supper. Some believe the Lord’s Supper is only a memorial; thus, Christ is not present in a unique way when we take the sacrament. Yet more is going on in the Lord’s Supper than the remembering of our Savior’s death, as important as that may be. For example, today’s passage speaks of participation or fellowship in the body and blood of Christ when we come to the Lord’s Table (1 Cor. 10:16). Something is happening besides the simple remembrance of the cross.”  

“Moreover, as Dr. Keith A. Mathison observes, the fact that many of those who took the sacrament in Corinth unworthily became ill or died (1 Cor. 11:29–30) proves “that there is much more to the sacrament than mere symbolism and subjective acts of mental recollection” (Given for You, p. 234).”

“The Westminster Confession of Faith summarizes the biblical teaching on Christ’s special presence in the Lord’s Supper, saying that worthy receivers feed on Jesus “not carnally and corporally, but spiritually.” Christ is spiritually “present to the faith of believers,” and we feed upon “Christ crucified, and all benefits of His death” (29.7). The confession affirms that in the Supper we commune with Jesus, both in His humanity and in His divinity, in a way not possible at other times. As we eat the bread and drink the wine, we by faith commit ourselves anew to Jesus and renew the covenant, showing that we need His physical body and blood to save us as much as we need food to nourish us. We meet with Jesus as a whole person, and He strengthens us for the journey from the resources He has both as the Son of God and as a glorified human being.”

“This is possible because of our union with Christ by virtue of the Holy Spirit. In the final analysis, it is a mystery as to how all this happens. But it is to this mystery we have been called to partake of regularly, participating in faith, believing that God has accomplished through His Son all that the Passover in Egypt and the giving of the covenant at Sinai pointed to, namely, the inauguration and consummation of a new covenant.”

“The Lord’s presence in the Lord’s Supper is not easy to conceptualize, but we do affirm that He is truly present every time we take the sacrament with other believers. It behooves us to remind ourselves of this fact and realize that the sacrament is not an afterthought, it is a means of grace that conveys to the faithful the benefits we need to progress in holiness. As you take the Supper, consider the presence of Christ and the way He meets all our needs.”

Soli deo Gloria!