Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too. ~ Matthew 26:31-35
Jesus warned His disciples that they would scatter when He was struck down. Relying on their own human strength, which always fails, they promised they would remain loyal to death. Although Jesus specifically told Peter he would deny Jesus three times, but He had said something very telling in His original pronouncement. He told the disciples that they would scatter, but that He would ahead of them to Galilee after He had been raised. He didn’t condemn them for what He knew they would do—He promised them He would be with them anyway.
Father God, You know my sins before I commit them. You know when I will turn from You and deny You by my thoughts and actions. BUT You are always ready to meet me with love and forgiveness when I repent and turn back to You. Give me strength to stay with You always and not scatter. Thank You for Your grace in the times I fail. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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