Matthew 26:30-35

Matthew 26:30-35

Have you ever thought about what it would have been like if you had been standing among the disciples that night? Surely the anticipation was high that something significant was about to happen. None had hesitated as Jesus turned toward Jerusalem on their final journey. One of them said, “Let us go and die with him.” Now the moment had arrived, the Supper was eaten, and Peter had his trusty sword on his side.

But suddenly Jesus said, “All of you will fall away because of me this night.” Jesus even quotes Zechariah 13:7, verifying His statement by prophecy. But Peter, ever quick to speak, immediately tells Jesus that everyone in the world can turn away from Him, but “I will never deny you.”

I can hear myself saying that, what about you? I think we all have those moments, moments in which we think that nothing could shake us, and certainly, nothing would cause us to fall away from the Lord. But our problem is the same as Peter’s. We do not know what the trial will be. We anticipate one thing and are secure in our strength. But Satan does not attack there. Satan uses a completely different approach than what we had anticipated. He looks for that hidden area of weakness.

It is even more interesting to see Peter’s confidence after Jesus assures him that, “before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” However, Peter tips his hand when he says, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” But dying would not be the issue that night. Taking a passive, non-violent role, but at the same time standing at Jesus’ side would be what was required. Peter did not expect it, and he fell. Of course, Peter was not the only one. All the apostles had said the same, and all scattered that night.

“Let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). There is only one way to limit the probability of repeating Peter’s sin; we must be prepared. The one who does not listen to God every day through Bible study, and who does not speak to God every day through prayer, is doomed to stumble. It is a dangerous position to be in. It is a position of over-confidence.

Berry Kercheville