Mat 26:31 | MHM | STEP | The Apostles' Cowardice Foretold. As Jesus and his disciples walked to the Mount of Olives, he spoke to them about the difficult trial they were about to face. Jesus warned them that a time of testing was coming for both him and his followers. He wanted them to be prepared for what would happen that very night. v. 31 : Jesus predicted that all his disciples would be offended and abandon him that night. He said, “All you shall be offended because of me this night” (Matthew 26:31 ). This meant they would be so frightened by his suffering that they would not have the courage to stay with him. Even though only Judas would betray him, all the others would desert him. Jesus wanted them to be alert and ready, because trials can come suddenly, even after a peaceful evening. The cross of Christ is a stumbling block for many, both the cross he bore for us (1 Corinthians 1:23 ) and the one we are called to bear for him (Matthew 16:24 ). He also said this would fulfill the scripture, “I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered” (Zechariah 13:7 ). When Jesus was arrested, his disciples would run away in fear.

‏ Matthew 26:31

The Apostles' Cowardice Foretold.

As Jesus and his disciples walked to the Mount of Olives, he spoke to them about the difficult trial they were about to face. Jesus warned them that a time of testing was coming for both him and his followers. He wanted them to be prepared for what would happen that very night.

v. 31: Jesus predicted that all his disciples would be offended and abandon him that night. He said, “All you shall be offended because of me this night” (Matthew 26:31 ^a). This meant they would be so frightened by his suffering that they would not have the courage to stay with him. Even though only Judas would betray him, all the others would desert him. Jesus wanted them to be alert and ready, because trials can come suddenly, even after a peaceful evening. The cross of Christ is a stumbling block for many, both the cross he bore for us (1 Corinthians 1:23 ^b) and the one we are called to bear for him (Matthew 16:24 ^c). He also said this would fulfill the scripture, “I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered” (Zechariah 13:7 ^d). When Jesus was arrested, his disciples would run away in fear.