Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. (Matthew 26:31-35)
God’s Greatest Gift To Us
Jesus is quoting Zechariah 13:7 here in Matthew 26:31. There are a great deal of references to Jesus in the context of Zechariah 12 and 13. Zechariah was a Levite born in Babylon and prophesied as a contemporary to the Prophet Haggai, Zerubbabel, and Joshua the High Priest (in the early 6th century BC). Jesus’ quoting of this passage in Zechariah helps us understand that its surrounding context holds prophetic significance regarding Jesus. For example, in Zechariah 12:10 the prophet wrote:
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.”
We know that Jesus was God’s greatest gift to us as explained John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We also know that Jesus’ blood was shed to cleanse us from our sins, “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (Heb 9:14)
We see here in Zechariah 12:10 that God planned all along to pour out a spirit of grace through his “one and only” son’s suffering on the cross! Jesus precisely and deliberately quoted a scripture in a context that said a lot about him. None of us can outgive God! God has given us “…life and breath and everything else!” (Acts 17:25) God’s greatest gift was his “firstborn son!” God gave us “a spirit of grace and supplication” through his “only son.” (Zechariah 12:10)
Clinging To The Scriptures
Jesus explained to all of them candidly that they would desert him. He starts by telling them plainly – “You will all fall way on account of me” (Matthew 26:31) Then Christ quotes this passage in Zechariah 13:7 which explains why. He quotes other scriptures and references their fulfillment throughout his crucifixion. Jesus was clinging to the scriptures throughout the passion. He had them on his heart and mind at each step he took towards the cross. (Matthew 26:24,54,56) Jesus was quoting the scriptures even while he was on the cross itself! (Matthew 27:46, Psalms 22)
On the other hand, his disciple Peter was emotional and vehemently rejected the notion that he would ever deny Jesus. Peter said “Even If I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” (Matthew 26:35) Peter and the other disciples are understandably clinging to their emotions. It would be emotionally difficult to understand Jesus’ statement about them deserting him. It’s in our (sinful) nature to go with our heart, with our “gut-feeling”, or our sentiments. We must cling to the scriptures just as Jesus did when we are confronted with our crosses to bear (1 John 2:6).
There are all kinds of trails in our lives and we will find ourselves clinging to something during those times. When I am not clinging to the scriptures I cling to myself, my children, my wife and even my vocation. When I’ve clung to myself, I’ve “checked-out.” I find myself indulging in gaming, Youtube, Netflix and the like. In these moments I’m just doing what makes my flesh “feel-good.” In clinging to myself I’ve focused on myself and serving myself. “…do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13) I’m grateful the scriptures teach me how to repent when I am clinging to myself – “Serving one another humbly in love!”
Personal Trials
In 2009 Amy and I had to spiritually and emotionally navigate being taken out of the full-time ministry and out of our role as overseers for our beloved Eugene International Christian Church. We moved to Los Angeles to be with the church there and to get some much needed spiritual perspective. I went back into the IT field working at various jobs. It was very challenging at first, as we’d short-sold our home in Eugene and the credit union began to initiate legal action against us for the 57,000$ difference. I had just lost my job in the ministry at this point. Then I found a position as a programmer in LA shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, I’d made some very poor choices at this new job and so made very little money. After all of this, we filed for bankruptcy in 2009.
God blessed me with a couple of other opportunities after these events. Additionally, I was learning some hard lessons about how independent and prideful I was at each job in spite of these blessings. During these challenging times when I found myself clinging to the scriptures I was at peace, able to accept God’s discipline and God’s plan. Conversely, When I clung to myself or my job, I felt the distance between me and my wife and children. I had a short-temper and was incredibly ungrateful during these times. I had no peace. (Psalms 119:165-168)
Sincerely Vulnerable
Jesus was remarkable in that he was vulnerable with his closest three disciples even though they did not warrant such trust from him. So often we seek those in our lives to be “trustworthy” before we trust them with the true depths of our hearts. We must come to clarity on this disposition being nothing like Jesus’ at all. Therefore, we must “always trust” (c.f. 1 Cor 13:7) in our relationships in order to truly follow Jesus (and be his disciple)! Jesus trusted Peter, James and John so much he revealed to them his heart “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38). Furthermore, Jesus humbly asked them “Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matt 26:38). The reason Jesus was able to trust these imperfect, weak, and struggling disciples with his true heart was because he knew he would soon be clinging to prayer.
Clinging To Prayer
In addition to imitating Jesus’ example of clinging to the scriptures, we must imitate his example of clinging to prayer. Oddly enough, this disposition made Jesus willingly vulnerable and trusting to the same men who professed to die with him and yet would betray him that same night. It’s tempting to think that what is in our hearts is “between us and God.” The scriptures and Jesus’ example do not endorse such a mentality in any of us. While honest vulnerability is never a replacement for clinging to prayer, this kind of transparency shows integrity and a sincere reliance on God.
Consider 1 Corinthians 12:26: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” How can we suffer with one another if we are not sharing our hearts as Jesus did with one another? If we are ignorant and closed off to each other’s hearts we cannot pray for one another to “be healed!” (James 5:16)
Often we use past “church hurts” or relational injuries as a justification to withhold trust from others. We can also deliberately test the trust of those around us because of this. We’re constantly looking to discredit the sincerity of those around us in our “hurt” and fail to see the simple solution of forgiving before us. Men deceived by the emotions they were clinging to surrounded Jesus at this time in his life. And yet Jesus was merciful to them and gave them the benefit of the doubt even when he knew they would let him down and when they fell asleep watching over him! (c.f. Matt 26:40-41)
A Powerful Principle and Stunning Truth
Early on in Jesus’ ministry he taught them this principle of mercy with one another. Peter asked Jesus in Matthew 18:21 “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” The Lord replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matt 18:22) It’s worth noting that immediately after this teaching Jesus preaches one of the most intense parables in the scriptures about the “unmerciful servant.” This parable concludes with a stunning teaching!
“Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matt 18:33-35)
When we imitate Jesus we will find ourselves clinging to prayer. When we do so we will have the strength to lovingly trust others with our heart-of-hearts. Let us never confuse shrewdness for mistrust nor mistrust for wisdom. Instead, we must cling to prayer when we are faced with tough circumstances, relationships, and issues. “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” (Hebrews 5:7-8)
Clinging To Jesus, The Perfect Model
At the end of the day, we need to look to God’s ultimate gift to us, his one and only son Jesus Christ. Jesus is our model and our hope and who we should be clinging to. Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. His examples of clinging to the scriptures, being sincerely vulnerable, and clinging to prayer are the ones we must cling to! We will be strengthen when we cling like Jesus! We will be able to weather any storm and pick-up any cross we are called to! Following Christ is an astonishing adventure and clinging like Jesus prepares us for it!
To God be the glory –
