“All
of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’”
Mark 14:27
Mark 14 [23.] He took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them. They all drank of it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it anew in God’s Kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Mark 14 [27.] Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”
Mark 14 [29.] But Peter said to him, “Although all will be offended, yet I will not.”
Mark 14 [30.] Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you, that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
Meaning:
In this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, forewarning them of the challenges they will face in the hours ahead. He quotes from the Old Testament prophecy found in Zechariah 13:7, which speaks of a time of scattering and trial for God's people.
By referencing this prophecy, Jesus is not only preparing His disciples for the events about to unfold but also affirming the fulfillment of Scripture in His own life and ministry. He acknowledges that He, as the Good Shepherd, will be struck down, leading to the scattering of His followers.
This prediction underscores the human frailty and weakness of the disciples, as well as the intensity of the spiritual battle they are about to face. Despite their sincere intentions and professed loyalty to Jesus, they will falter and stumble in the face of opposition and danger.
The significance of Jesus' words in Mark 14:27 extends beyond the immediate context of His impending arrest and crucifixion. They serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between the forces of darkness and the kingdom of God, a struggle in which even the most devoted followers of Jesus may falter.
Furthermore, Jesus' prediction in this verse foreshadows His own experience of abandonment and betrayal. Later in the chapter, we see Peter denying Jesus three times, and all the disciples fleeing from the scene of His arrest (Mark 14:50).
Despite the disciples' failure and desertion, Jesus does not abandon them. After His resurrection, He appears to them, restores their faith, and commissions them to continue His mission of proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:16-20).
In our own lives, Mark 14:27 challenges us to examine our commitment to following Jesus, especially in times of trial and adversity. Like the disciples, we may face moments of doubt, fear, and temptation. Yet, even in our weakness, Jesus remains faithful to us, offering forgiveness, restoration, and empowerment through His Holy Spirit.
Ultimately, Mark 14:27 reminds us of the depth of Jesus' love and grace toward His disciples, despite their shortcomings. It encourages us to trust in His faithfulness and to rely on His strength in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties.
As we reflect on this verse, may we be reminded of the assurance we have in Jesus, who has overcome the world (John 16:33), and may we find comfort and hope in His abiding presence with us, even in the darkest of times.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible