Jesus has just told the disciples that he knows they will all desert him at the time he needs them the most. Peter jumps up and speaks out without even thinking. His reply reveals a man who thought better than the Messiah and needed to correct him, he thought he was way better than any other disciple and he had too much faith in his own abilities.
“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 v 33-35)
Jesus knew what was going on behind the scenes and he knew where things were heading for he understood the prophecies of Zechariah and Isaiah.
Do you wake today under pressure? Are you battling with your thoughts? Think for a moment on what was going on in Jesus’ mind.
He knew what Judas was up to. He could see the rising hate campaign of the Jewish leaders. He knew the fickleness of his disciples. He saw Peter’s denial before it happened. This wasn’t paranoia, this was real video images in his mind and he knew where this was heading. The kiss of betrayal. The trials. The cross. The pain. The Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled.
Do you know what it feels like when your friends walk away? When people start to double-guess you? When they hear a different story to the truth and you cannot defend yourself?
This is who Matthew reveals. This is Jesus.
Today let us see the calm, serene, confident Jesus. He wasn’t panicking. He was dignified. Despite falsehoods, manipulation and disappointments all around him he remained firmly in the truth. He is a contrast to those weak men around him. He walks with humility, with courage and with grace.
Whatever you are going through today we have a Saviour who walked a path that we can be inspired to follow.
Missions Paul 