What Old Testament prophecies relate to Peter's denial in Matthew 26:70? Peter’s Denial in Focus Matthew 26:70—“But he denied it before them all. ‘I do not know what you are talking about,’ he said.” Old Testament Threads the New Testament Pulls On • Zechariah 13:7—“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd… ‘Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered…’ ” • Isaiah 53:6—“We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way…” • Psalm 31:11—“Because of all my adversaries, I am despised by my neighbors, a dread to my friends; those who see me on the street flee from me.” • Psalm 38:11—“My friends and companions shun me because of my plague; my neighbors stand far off.” • Psalm 69:20—“Scorn has broken my heart and left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.” • Isaiah 63:5—“I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted…” How Each Prophecy Connects to Peter’s Moment • Zechariah 13:7 is the direct link. Jesus Himself quotes it minutes earlier (Matthew 26:31), predicting that the disciples—including Peter—will scatter once the Shepherd is struck. Peter’s denial fulfills the “sheep will be scattered” line in real time. • Isaiah 53:6 broadens the picture. Peter’s denial is one expression of the universal human tendency Isaiah foresaw: every one of us strays from the Shepherd. • Psalm 31:11 and 38:11 describe friends who back away in dread or shame. Peter, afraid of guilt-by-association, places distance between himself and Jesus exactly as these psalms paint. • Psalm 69:20 portrays the Messiah looking for comfort yet finding none. The courtyard scene answers that prophecy—no disciple stands with Him, and Peter actively disowns Him. • Isaiah 63:5 captures the lonely Servant who finds no helper. Jesus stands alone before both Sanhedrin and Roman guard while Peter’s denial contributes to that isolation. What This Tells Us About God’s Word • Scripture’s unity: Centuries-old prophecies dovetail with a single utterance—“I do not know the Man”—spoken in a dark courtyard. • Human weakness foreknown: Peter’s lapse was tragic, yet it did not surprise God; He wove even failure into the redemptive storyline. • Grace to restore: The same Peter who fulfilled these prophecies is later restored (John 21:15–19) and empowered to preach (Acts 2). Fulfilled prophecy magnifies both our need and God’s forgiving provision. |
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