The Death and Resurrection of the KingSample

Overestimating yourself

“Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I must die with You, I will not deny You!’ And all the disciples said the same.” (Matthew 26:35)

The Lord Jesus faced the most difficult night of His life. But this would also be a horrible time for His disciples. They would flee in confusion. Jesus warned them about that. And He added: “After I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee” (Matthew 26:32). In this way, Jesus offered them hope. After the pitch-black night of His suffering and death, a new day would dawn, and then they would see each other again.

But the disciples were not at all open to that. They had absolutely no intention of abandoning their Master! They were determined to remain faithful to Him, even if it would cost them their lives.

Matthew goes on to recount the events of that night. And then, in verse 56, there is a short sobering sentence. “All the disciples left Him and fled.” Exactly as Jesus had said.

The disciples had grossly overestimated themselves. Maybe that has happened to you at times, too. You thought you were strong enough for a particular challenge or could handle a difficult situation quite well. But you were disappointed!

Jesus did not write off His disciples when they abandoned Him. After His resurrection, they met again. He's not writing you off either! Will you come back to Him?