“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.”” (Matthew 26:31)
On the night before His death, Jesus made this announcement: “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the … flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee” (vv. 31-32).
Think about it! If the disciples who had spent three-and-a-half years or more walking and talking with Jesus, hearing His messages and seeing His miracles could stumble, then any of us can. “All of you will … stumble.” But the promise was lost on Peter. “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble” (v. 33). This was not one of Peter’s finer moments. “Even if all …” Arrogant. “I will never be made to stumble.” Self-sufficient. Peter’s trust was in Peter’s strength. Yet Peter’s strength would peter out. Jesus knew it: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:31-32). Satan would attack and test Peter. But Satan would never claim him. Why? Because Peter was strong? No — because Jesus was. “I have prayed for you.” And here’s a wonderful truth — Jesus prays for you too: “Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name … I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me” (John 17:11, 20). Will God answer Christ’s prayer on your behalf? What do you think? Of course He will!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in a world where there are few, if any, things I can absolutely count on, there is You and my future with you in Heaven. Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
