Matthew 26:30

“When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

Arriving there, in the darkness of night, Jesus confided with them what is about to happen. They may have expected him to spell out a scenario for how he would overthrow Rome then rule  Israel like King David did. That would seem to fit with prophecy.

Instead, Jesus shocked them.  “This very night you will all fall away on account of me.” v 31 That does not sound like a military general preparing for a coup, nor does it fit with the sorrowful Jesus.

Jesus hastened to say, “After I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” v 32  All was so confusing. “Risen? What are you talking about, Jesus?”  And why Galilee?  That makes no sense at all.  Galilee is a backwater, Jerusalem is the center of activity.  Strike here!

Peter declared, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”  v 33  He went on to explain, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”  v 35

These are valiant words. Few people are capable of expressing such determination. Peter is one of them.  However, who is this a few hours later vehemently claiming that he does not even know this Jesus?  It is the same Peter who promised to stand with Jesus who is now claiming that he does not even know this Jesus.  We read, “Then he began to call down curses upon himself and he swore to them, ‘I don’t know the man.'”  Peter’s self-confidence collapsed.  In that moment he had no idea of who Jesus is, who he is, nor what  is happening.  He just crumpled into a heap of pathetic confusion. Only then did the cock crow.  “He went outside and wept bitterly.” v 75

Poor Peter.  Poor us, when in the confusion of life and all that we experience in life, fall into a pit of utter confusion, no longer sure of anything! It is in that pit of despair that Jesus speaks to us words of comfort.  We might not understand what is happening, but we are sure that Jesus loves us and that he is in control. And that he will meet us “in Galilee.”