Matthew 26:31-32
“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.”
King James Version · the opening — all 2 verses are below
Jesus predicting the disciples' desertion quoting Zechariah, fulfilled when all fled in Gethsemane.
Read the whole passage — all 2 verses (KJV)
26:31Then 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.
26:32But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Fulfillment References
Zechariah 13:7 Matthew 26:56 Mark 14:50
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalJesus applies Zechariah 13:7 to Himself: 'I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.' Strikingly, in Zechariah it is the LORD's own sword that smites 'the man that is my fellow' — the smitten Shepherd is God in flesh. The Shepherd struck at the cross and the LORD who strikes are the one God accomplishing redemption.
JewishZechariah 13:7 speaks of a shepherd struck and the flock scattered and refined; read of judgment on failed leadership, not of the Messiah's passion.
CatholicThe Good Shepherd smitten and the disciples scattered, fulfilled in Gethsemane; the shepherd-and-sheep imagery of the Passion.
ProtestantJesus' citation of Zech. 13:7 foretells His arrest and the disciples' flight; the smitten Shepherd is Christ, raised to gather the flock again (v. 32).
AcademicMatthew has Jesus cite Zechariah 13:7 to interpret the disciples' desertion; the 'shepherd' application to Jesus reflects early Christian passion-apologetic.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.