Matthew 26:56
“But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.”
There are many prophecies about Jesus. This verse is another one. Zachariah 13:7 says, “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.” It was predicted that the disciples would abandon Him.
Earlier in Matthew 26 Jesus tells his own that they will leave Him. Here’s what Peter says to that, ‘But Peter replied to Him, “Even if they all 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 as well.’
If God or His Word says something about us, we should agree with it. Jesus tells Peter twice that he will abandon Him. Peter insists twice that He won’t.
It does seem that Peter was willing to die with Jesus as he picked up the sword and started fighting. It was what he knew to do. Jesus stopped him and healed the wounded man. This confused Peter. He did what he thought was right, but Jesus told him no. Peter as he followed Jesus all night. It was as if he was a secret agent. To keep his identity hidden he acted as if he wasn’t a disciple. It was while he was putting on this act that the cock crowed and Peter realized that he had betrayed Jesus.
This experience seemed to remove the remaining self confidence that Peter had. As believers it helps to know that we are weak and capable of sin. We need to be reliant on God. This is being poor in spirit. All of the disciples had a tough weekend ahead of them.
We need to agree with God what He says about us. Jesus warned them several times that they should wake up and pray. They should ask God for the strength to not fall into temptation. They couldn’t keep their eyes open. I can very much relate to that. Many times I have fallen a sleep during prayer. I used to feel guilty about this. I now have grown in God’s grace that I know He isn’t condemning me. I’ve overshot the right place. I should care more.
Even in the failure to pray we can be dependent on God. We rarely do all we should do in preparation against sin and evil. Trust in Him. He will keep us.
We need to have faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Many believe He exists, but few believe He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. I didn’t know this for years. I now know He is good and will do good things for me.
I used to be afraid of Him. This is a common thing. This may be a majority opinion. Many religions promote this kind of fear. It’s better than not believing in Him. But the bible promotes a different kind of fear. Biblical fear means we know He will do what He says, so we believe Him and respond accordingly.
It was about six years into following Christ that I began to understand His love and grace. I relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief. I finally began to rest in Him. Matthew 11:28-30 became real to me, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” This is a wonderful verse. It didn’t get my attention until about five years ago. I’m not sure why I didn’t. I had read it many times. It seemed to portray Jesus in such a nurturing role. When it did get my attention I spent much time there. It was a favorite for years.
Today’s scripture is a very human one. I have come a long way in my prayer life. Before Christ I did pray, but it was very self focused. I came to Christ and legalistically prayed much more, but it was not pleasing to God, as I was doing it under compulsion. Presently I will pray. I usually do it as needs arise. I am developing a prayer list. My wife and friends are good at it. Lord, help me to grow more if You feel like I need it.