In our previous messages ("In Remembrance of Me" & "Watch with Me") we emphasized that Christ wants us to never forget the sacrifice that He made for us. It should be the starting point of a transforming relationship with Him and the centerpiece of our attention and motivation (Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 11:24-26; John 15:12-13; II Corinthians 5:14-15). With an emphasis on the resurrection, which the disciples could not grasp at the time (Matthew 26:32), we also have showed the desire of Christ to have us labor in prayer with Him (Matthew 26:38-41). We pray to the Father through Him (John 15:16; 16:23-24). We even may pray to Him directly (Acts 7:59 cp. John 14:13-14). Let us also focus on praying with Him interactively (John 14:16-20; Romans 8:26-27,34; Acts 13:1-4; I Corinthians 2:9-13,16; Ephesians 6:18; I John 5:14-15; Jude 1:20).

Our Scripture reading for this lesson (Matthew 26:31-35) is focusing on the Lord's gentle handling of the disciples as they aspired to show great dedication to Him. They were sincere, but they did not understand their weakness, vulnerability, and need for more of His grace. They were not prepared for what was about to happen, but Jesus was prepared. We need to consult Luke's Gospel for more insight on the events of the evening before the Lord was crucified.

Let's consider Luke 22:21-34.
As Christ prayed for Peter, we see how Christ prays for all of us.

Luke 22:21-23 Christ warned of a betrayer among them
(Judas - John 13:18-19; Psalm 41:9).

Luke 22:24 The disciples began to argue over which one of them is the greatest.
(Matthew 26:21-24 cp. I Corinthians 5:1-2)

Luke 22:25-27 Jesus described greatness to the disciples.
(Proverbs 15:33)

Luke 22:28-30 Jesus explained the principle of suffering now and reigning later.
(Philippians 2:5-11; 3:10; II Timothy 2:8-12a)
[Note: II Timothy 2:12b-13 applies to Judas]

Luke 22:31-32 The Lord saw Peter, not as a betrayer, but as one with weakness - one that He would protect, correct, convert, and perfect.
(Philippians 1:6; 3:15; Psalm 138:8; I Thessalonians 5:23-24; Romans 8:28-39 cp. Galatians 4:19; Ephesians 4:11-16; I John 1:5 - 2:1; Hebrews 4:12-16)

Luke 22:33-34 A warning: "… let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."
(I Corinthians 10:12 cp. Matthew 26:41; Romans 12:3; I Timothy 4:16; Hebrews 3:12)