Unwavering Grace for Wavering Faith

Introduction: Illustration of William Stout saying he would never commit adultery like David did.

Thesis: In Matthew 26, while the disciples' desertion may seem like a moment of weakness and failure, Matthew reveals that Jesus, the authoritative King, fully knew their frailty and still moved forward in His mission of redemption. This passage magnifies Jesus’ power and grace, as He not only predicts their abandonment but also promises their restoration, demonstrating His ability to save sinners like them and like us.

Jesus Predicts the Disciples' Desertion

Read Matthew 26:31-32

The Circumstances of the Disciples’ Desertion

From the perspective of the Jews:

John 11:49–50 “And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”

From the Perspective of the Romans:

John 19:12–16 “From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.”

From the perspective of the disciples:

Matthew 26:55–56 “In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.”

Jesus’ Promise of Resurrection and Reunion

The promise fulfilled

Matthew 28:5–7 “But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

The Disciples Reject Jesus' Prediction

Read Matthew 26:33-35

Peter’s Protest

Peter’s spirit was willing but he was unable to see the weakness of his flesh

Luke 22:31–32 “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

Peter, and the disciples, were about to learn their lesson in about three hours time.

What was the difference between the disciples before and after Pentecost?

Galatians 2:11–14 “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?”

The Disciples’ Agreement

Just as Peter failed to recognize the weakness of his own flesh, so did the other disciples.