Matthew 26:31
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just predicting a future event; He's revealing a divine strategy. By quoting Zechariah 13:7, He shows that the disciples' scattering isn't a random failure, but a fulfillment of prophecy initiated by God ("I will strike the shepherd"). This reframes their impending abandonment not just as their weakness, but as part of God's plan to draw them back to Himself later.
Just moments after discussing his impending betrayal, Jesus tells his disciples that they will all abandon him in the coming night. He explains this is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, comparing himself to a shepherd and his followers to sheep who will scatter when the shepherd is struck. This solemn prediction sets the stage for the disciples' faith to be tested in the most profound way.
Understand the original words
skandalizō · Greek Verb
To stumble, be offended, or fall into sin; metaphorically used of losing faith or turning away from allegiance to God or his appointed leader.
ro'eh · Hebrew Noun
The leader, protector, and guide of God's people; used of God as Israel's shepherd and Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.
tso'n · Hebrew Noun
A collective term for God's people, dependent upon the shepherd for guidance, protection, and provision.
diaskorpizō · Greek Verb
The process of being physically or spiritually dispersed, often occurring when the protecting authority is removed or removed by judgment.
Jesus intentionally connects his impending suffering and the disciples' abandonment to an ancient prophecy, showing that even in moments of human failure and scattering, God's redemptive plan is unfolding.
c. 520 BC
Zechariah's Temple Vision and Prophecy
The prophet Zechariah receives visions from God concerning the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple. In one of these prophecies, he foretells the scattering of the sheep when the shepherd is struck.
c. 480 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem is completed, marking a significant moment of restoration for the Jewish people returning from exile.
c. 175-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt and Temple Rededication
A period of intense conflict and persecution for the Jews under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, culminating in the rededication of the Temple, a time of great upheaval and leadership challenges.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Prediction of Betrayal
Jesus shares the Last Supper with his disciples, a deeply significant meal before his arrest and crucifixion. During this time, he predicts his impending betrayal and arrest.
This is the direct Old Testament prophecy that Jesus quotes, showing the foreknowledge of God regarding the scattering of His followers when their Shepherd is struck.
John 16:32Jesus reiterates this same prediction to his disciples, highlighting the profound shock and scattering that His impending death would cause among them.
1 Peter 5:8This passage echoes the imagery of scattered sheep by warning believers to be sober and vigilant because their enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Mark 14:27Mark's Gospel provides a parallel account of Jesus making this same prediction to his disciples, reinforcing the significance of this moment and its fulfillment.
Luke 22:31-32Luke's Gospel adds the detail that Jesus prayed for Peter specifically, that his faith would not fail, showing God's redemptive plan even in the midst of predicted failure and scattering.
henryMatthew 26:31-35: "Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad."
26:31-35 Improper self-confidence, like that of Peter, is the first step to a fall. There is a proneness in all of us to be over-confident. But those fall soonest and foulest, who are the most confident in themselves. Those are least safe, who think themselves most secure. Satan is active to lead su…
barnesMatthew 26:31: "Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad."
Jesus foretells the fall of Peter - This is also recorded in Mark 14:27-31 ; Luke 22:31-34 ; John 13:34-38 . Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them - The occasion of his saying this was Peter's bold affirmation that he was ready to die with him, John 13:36 Jesus had told them that he was going away -…
Jesus isn't just predicting a future event; He's revealing a divine strategy. By quoting Zechariah 13:7, He shows that the disciples' scattering isn't a random failure, but a fulfillment of prophecy initiated by God ("I will strike the shepherd"). This reframes their impending abandonment not just as their weakness, but as part of God's plan to draw them back to Himself later.
Just moments after discussing his impending betrayal, Jesus tells his disciples that they will all abandon him in the coming night. He explains this is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, comparing himself to a shepherd and his followers to sheep who will scatter when the shepherd is struck. This solemn prediction sets the stage for the disciples' faith to be tested in the most profound way.
Just moments after discussing his impending betrayal, Jesus tells his disciples that they will all abandon him in the coming night. He explains this is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, comparing himself to a shepherd and his followers to sheep who will scatter when the shepherd is struck. This solemn prediction sets the stage for the disciples' faith to be tested in the most profound way.
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c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane
Following the Last Supper, Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. This event directly leads to the scattering of his closest followers.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified, fulfilling the prophecy of the shepherd being struck down. His death is a moment of immense grief and confusion for his followers.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Resurrection and Gathering of the Flock
After three days, Jesus is resurrected. This event marks the beginning of the restoration and re-gathering of his scattered disciples, fulfilling the second part of the prophecy.
"Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’" — Jesus isn't just predicting a future event; He's revealing a divine strategy. By quoting Zechariah 13:7, He shows that the disciples' scattering isn't a random failure, but a fulfillment of prophecy…
