As Jesus approached the final hours before His arrest. A Foretold Failure he prepared His disciples for what was coming. Even in a moment filled with deep sorrow, Jesus revealed truth with compassion—showing that He knew their weaknesses yet loved them fully. Matthew 26:31–35 captures this tender but sobering exchange on the night of the Last Supper.
📖 “Then Jesus told them, ‘This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.’
Peter replied, ‘Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.’
‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’
But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the other disciples said the same.” (Matthew 26:31–35, NIV)
Jesus warns His disciples that they will abandon Him—not because they lack love, but because human strength alone cannot withstand spiritual pressure. He quotes prophecy from Zechariah, showing that even their weakness fits within God’s plan.
Peter, bold and sincere, insists he will remain faithful. Yet Jesus gently tells him the truth: Peter will deny Him three times before dawn. Despite this, Jesus also gives hope—He promises to meet them again after the resurrection.
This moment reveals two powerful realities:
We are incapable of perfect obedience on our own, and
Jesus’ love and mission continue despite our failures.
It exposes our human limitation. Even the most devoted follower can falter without God’s strength.
It reveals Christ’s compassion. Jesus was not surprised by their failure; He loved them through it.
It affirms the certainty of the resurrection. Before their failure even happens, Jesus promises restoration.
It prepares us for grace. God’s plan includes both our stumbling and His restoring power.
Admit your need for God’s strength. Faithfulness comes not from willpower but from the Holy Spirit.
Accept Christ’s forgiveness. Jesus offers restoration even after moments of weakness.
Stand firm in God’s promises. Jesus told the disciples He would meet them again—He promises the same faithfulness to us.
Walk humbly. Like Peter, we must guard against pride that says, “I would never fall.”
Matthew 26:31–35 teaches us that failure does not disqualify us from God’s plan. Jesus knew every weakness His disciples would reveal that night, yet He moved toward the cross with them in mind.
📖 “Then Jesus told them, ‘This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.’
Peter replied, ‘Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.’
‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’
But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the other disciples said the same.” (Matthew 26:31–35, NIV)
✨ We may fall—but Jesus is always ready to restore, forgive, and lead us forward.
