Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:17-75 (Supplementary Readings: 2 Timothy 2:13, Romans 5:8)
Historical Context
The Jewish festival of Passover was a time to remember God’s faithfulness in freeing His people from slavery in Egypt. It was a celebration of His unchanging character—He is the one who rescues, redeems, and remains steadfast in His love. In this passage, Jesus and His disciples gather for the Passover meal, but Jesus redefines it as the Lord’s Supper, pointing to a greater act of faithfulness: His sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. Through His work on the cross, we experience freedom from slavery and bondage to sin. We experience a new life only because of His faithfulness demonstrated to us.
Amidst this celebration of God’s faithfulness, we see two stark examples of human unfaithfulness:
- Judas’ Betrayal – Judas had followed Jesus, listened to His teaching, and shared meals with Him. Yet, he turned away, choosing personal gain over submission to the Master.
- The Disciples’ Weakness – Jesus warned them, “You will all fall away because of me this night,” quoting Zechariah 13:7: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” He specifically told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed.
In the following verses, these warnings become reality. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, and Peter, fearing for his life, denies Him three times. Human unfaithfulness is on full display.
Devotional Reflection
What makes Jesus so compelling is that He foreknew His disciples’ failures long before they happened. When He first called them, He knew they would falter, scatter, hide, and deny Him. Yet, He called them anyway. More than that, He loved them, taught them, and poured grace upon them.
Even more astonishing, He entrusted them with His mission. After His resurrection, Jesus would restore Peter (John 21:15-17) and empower the disciples with His Spirit to spread the gospel. Despite their weaknesses, they became the foundation of His church.
Personal Application
This truth remains for us today. We are not chosen because of our strength, reliability, dependability, or abilities. We are not called because we have proven ourselves worthy. In fact, we fail, just like Peter. We doubt, we deny, and we stumble. But our unfaithfulness does not change His faithfulness.
On many occasions throughout my life I have fallen short. I have doubted Him. I have chosen to pursue my own desires and wants, rejecting His Lordship over my life. In fear, I have hidden and denied Him. I continue to do so. But He always picks me up. He has never abandoned me. Not only does He continue to pursue relationship with me, He uses me and allows me to live an abundant life with purpose.
As 2 Timothy 2:13 reminds us, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”
Faithfulness is His character. Its who He is. He is unchanging and He will not act in a way that is contrary to His character. And out of His faithfulness, he pursues us in our weakness and calls us into His mission.
Question: When have you felt like Peter, hesitant or afraid to stand for your faith? How does knowing that Jesus restores and redeems change the way you move forward?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness even when we falter. Strengthen us to stand for You, and when we stumble, remind us that You invite us to return to You to experience restoration and redemption. May we trust in Your faithfulness as we seek to fulfill the purpose You have for our lives. Amen.
