Matthew 26:31-35 A Selfish Response

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 NASB]

The disciples demonstrated the selfish tendency of humanity. Jesus is saying, "You will all stumble when I am struck down. But I will be raised!" The disciples heard, "You will stumble." They make no notice that their Lord will be taken this very night. Nor do they look forward to the hope of His resurrection. Their only response is to say, "Jesus, You're wrong! I will never fall away!"

Jesus wasn't condemning any of them with His statement. He was, in fact, providing comfort in the knowledge that their actions were pre-ordained and prophesied.

Peter was, naturally, the first to speak out. He was known for his boldness and courage. But it was his trust in his strength that became his greatest weakness. Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. But Peter wasn't alone. All the disciples said the same thing.

As for Jesus, knowing what was to come, He already had His eyes set on the resurrection, and being united again with His friends. He endured the pain because of the joy of what came after. We are told regarding Jesus; "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." [Hebrews 12:2 NASB]

The lesson here is to not set our eyes on ourselves. The disciples looked only to themselves, and failed to heed the words of Jesus. 

When our eyes are fixed on our own needs, we fail to see the needs of others around us. We miss opportunities to serve. We become so focused on our own problems that we fail to listen to the Spirit of God for the answers.

It is possible that in our own well intentioned efforts to draw close to God, we become so focused on our own spiritual journey that we fail to see the brother or sister along the way who is struggling with their faith, or is about to stumble. We fail to realize that helping others along the way is part of our journey.

I encourage everybody to spend quiet, alone time with God in prayer and Bible study. I also encourage you to lift your head up and look around you. You have spent time with the Spirit of God. Now walk in the Spirit as you go out into the world, and minister His peace to those in need.