Justin Houtz

2 Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26

DateVersionReading Plan
May 9, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Matthew 26

Observation & Interpretation

Following the Lord’s Supper, Jesus was with His disciples and they sang a hymn, likely one of the Psalms of the Old Testament (ex. Ps. 113-118). Jesus then told them that they would all fall away because of Him that night (v. 31). Jesus quoted Zech. 13:7 that they would be scattered, but after He was raised up, He would go before them to Galilee (v. 31-32). Peter quipped at Jesus’ words, saying that while the others would fall away, he would not fall away (v. 34). Jesus responded to Peter saying that before the rooster crowed, he would deny Jesus three times (v. 34). However, Peter spoke fervently to this, that even if he must die with Jesus, he would not deny Him, and all the disciples said the same (v. 35).

A couple of remarkable features stand out in this account. First, Jesus not only told the disciples that He would be struck but even provided the detail of where He would go after He was raised. The amount of specificity here is worth noting because Jesus being in Galilee after the resurrection is exactly what was recorded by Matthew (see Matt. 28:7-10).

Another feature is how Matthew’s Gospel mentions Peter’s influence on the other disciples when he claimed that he would not deny Jesus. Mark also includes this in his Gospel (Mark 14:31) but Luke (Luke 22:33) and John (John 13:37) does not.

Application

It should hearten us that God is the God of details. By His Word, we are provided all that we need to know Him to the extent He has chosen by His revealed will and that is a marvelous thing. May it be for us to proceed with appreciation and gratitude that He has manifested His grace in such a way that we may know Him and make Him known.

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