When Night Comes - Your Identity Is Secure In Christ - Matthew 26.31-56

2025.10.19. Sermon Notes. When Night Comes – Your Identity is secure in Christ. Matthew 26.31-56

William Akehurst, HSWC

Sermon Script: When the Night Comes - Your Identity Is Secure in Christ

Matthew 26:31-56

Theme: Encouragement and Identity in GOD

Big Idea: Even when we stumble in weakness, fear, or failure, our identity remains secure in Christ. Through faith, obedience, and prayer, we discover that GOD’s grace, love, and faithfulness redefine our story. Our worth is not measured by mistakes but by His redemption and purpose, giving us hope, courage, and lasting encouragement to live with confidence in who we are in Him.

Even in moments of fear, betrayal, and apparent defeat, GOD’s plan is unfolding, and we are called to trust Him, stand firm in faith and know our identity is secure in Christ, as we follow HIS example of obedience.

OPENING

Have you ever felt like a failure? Maybe you made a mistake, disappointed someone, or felt powerless in a difficult situation. If so, this morning’s message is for you.

Think of a child learning to walk. They stumble, fall, maybe even cry. Do we say, “You’re a failure”? No. We cheer them on because we see their potential. That’s exactly how GOD sees you - even when you stumble, your identity is secure in Christ.

INTRODUCTION

Today, we are diving into Matthew 26:31–56. Here we see Jesus preparing His disciples for one of the darkest nights of their lives. He predicts their fear, their failure, even their betrayal - but He assures them that GOD’s plan will prevail.

Like the disciples, we face times of fear, trials, and betrayal. But GOD’s message to us is clear: Your identity is secure in Christ. No failure, fear, or rejection can change that.

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I. GOD SEES BEYOND OUR FAILURES (vv. 31–35)

31-35 Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

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.

THE PREDICTION OF SCATTERING

Jesus quotes Zechariah 13:7: “I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”

POINT: Here, Jesus predicts that the disciples will fail and falter.

• They will scatter in fear. Yet He reassures them that GOD’s plan is unstoppable. GOD’s plan is greater than our failure.

• Peter confidently insists he will not fail.

• The contrast reveals human confidence versus divine insight. Peter’s bold claim shows devotion - but Jesus knows the weakness that will surface.

ILLUSTRATION: A shepherd’s rod guides sheep; even when they scatter, the shepherd knows the path.

SELF EXAMINATION: Have you ever felt like you let GOD down? Like your mistakes disqualify you?

Have you ever been as sure as Peter - only to discover your weakness later?

APPLICATION: GOD sees beyond our confident promises and our failures. Even when we overestimate our strength, He still works through us. Your identity is not defined by your mistakes, your boast or your fall – but by Christ. Your Identity is secure in Christ.

Recognize that our weakness does not nullify GOD’s purpose; He works through our failures.

Supporting Scriptures:

John 16:33 “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but GOD is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able…”

THE REUNION AFTER RESURRECTION

GOOD NEWS: vs. 32 “after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

POINT: JESUS doesn’t leave them hanging. HE promises not only Resurrection, but also a meeting place to reunite with them after HIS death.

John 14:2-3 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions;… I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

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II. PRAYER IN TIMES OF TRIAL (vv. 36-46)

THE CALL TO WATCH AND PRAY

Matthew 26:36-46 THE PRAYER IN THE GARDEN

36-46 The Prayer in the Garden (Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46)

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”