Matthew 26:30-35

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble 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 have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”

34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.

hymn (v.30) — probably part of the Passover celebration, the Hallel — Psalms 113-118.

The quote in verse 31 is from Zechariah 13:7 in the Septuagint

made to stumble (v.31) — from the Greek word from which we get “scandal”

go before you (v.32) = lead you forth, go at your head as a shepherd leads his sheep

He was preparing them by giving them to know before they should be offended, that He knew they would be offended. Christ was always making it easy for these men to get back presently; and when He told them the worst that was in them, and they did not believe Him; though they all personally declared they would not be offended, He did not argue; but He left something in the heart, and mind, and memory, which, returning presently, would make it easier for them. It is a great thing to be able to say within one’s own soul, Well, my friend knew and warned me, I will go back to Him. Christ was telling them the worst, but not only the worst. Mark the next words well, words flashing with light, “but after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” — Morgan, page 301.