Matthew 26:30-35 NIV
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. [31] 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.’ [32] But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” [33] Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” [34] “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” [35] But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
The gospel story is getting very dark, but even now as Jesus predicts that all his disciples will abandon him, regardless of their protestations (and how often do we say this time Jesus I’m going to pray more often, or read my Bible every day, or…?) he says that he will go ahead of them. They and we might abandon him, but he never abandons us. He is faithful when we are not.
Jesus, I’d like to say I’ll be faithful, but I know I won’t be. I’ll try, but… Thank you that in your mercy, you always are.
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