But after I am risen again,

I will go before you into Galilee. Matthew 26:32

 

        Isolated on the page this appears to be a simple declarative statement, but it is not. If you read between the red lines, you will find hope. Just before this, Jesus has quoted Zechariah 13:7 telling his disciples they would scatter and fall away. The very thought must have been mortifying.  Peter could have been speaking for all of the disciples when he said that he never would abandon Christ. But it was also a personal declaration. Later he would hang his head as a rooster crowed. He denied knowing Christ 3 times just as Jesus said he would.

      Let’s look again at the verse. You can’t go before or ahead of someone if you don't expect them to follow. Jesus knew they would scatter but He also knew that His sheep hear and know His voice. I don’t know if the disciples got it. The wheels are probably still turning as to how to get Christ out of this crucifixion gig. Then He drops the desertion bomb. They’re probably all thinking what Peter is saying. So, the subtly of the promise in this verse may be a bit lost on them. I just noticed it myself and I am not a new reader of scripture.

      No shock and horror of coming events clouding my mind, but I never noticed that this verse is one of hope. Sheep will scatter but return to their shepherd. And just in case they were still frazzled after He rose, He gave specific instructions of where they should meet Him to the two women who saw Him at the empty tomb.

       Isn’t that just like Jesus? He gives us hope and promise and then makes sure we don’t miss it. After all He came so that none may perish.