The Final Meal

EIBC Devotional #16 - “The Final Meal”

Emerald Isle Baptist Church

Pastor Zach Emory

Scripture - Matthew 26:31-35

31 Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” 32 But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.’ 33 Peter said to him, ‘Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you.’ 34 Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.’ 35 Peter said to him, ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And so said all the disciples.

Immediately after the “Last Supper,” Jesus utters these words. It is striking because one would think that Jesus’ response would be hope and encouragement. Rather, he tells the disciples after such an intimate moment that they would all desert them. Peter says, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you,” yet in Luke 22:54-62, he denied Jesus three times out of fear. It is a reminder to us, as we prepare to partake in the table of Christ this Sunday, that our work on behalf of Jesus does not end with chewing the bread and sipping the juice. We are all tempted to wander in our thoughts, words, and actions. If Peter, God’s chosen apostle, found himself in a moment of weakness, we ourselves are not immune. May we affirm our faith in Christ daily and never forsake him, because he never forsakes us. May our thoughts be pure, our speech uplifting, and our actions holy before God. 

Questions for Reflection

How might you have wandered from Christ, denying him in your daily life?

Prayer - Heavenly Father, I affirm the Lordship of Jesus and vow to accompany Him in His life-saving work on this earth so that it may be as it is in Heaven. Amen.