The fourth cup

At the end of the Passover meal, the fourth cup (Cup of Praise) is distributed. This cup is to be drank while singing Psalms 117 and 118. In Matthew 26:30, it says, “After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” This indicates that they drank the cup of praise, sang Psalms 117 and 118, and concluded the meal. After the meal, they headed to the Mount of Olives, specifically towards the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives, which is about a 15-minute walk.

Jesus’ prophecy

Jesus prophesied about the stumbling of his disciples. According to Luke and John, this prophecy was given during the meal. However, Matthew and Mark place this prophecy while they were moving to the Mount of Olives. It’s likely that Jesus repeated the same prophecy twice. Here is Jesus’s prophecy: (1) Like the prophecy in Zechariah 13:7, the disciples would be scattered like sheep without a shepherd. (2) However, Jesus will be raised and will go ahead of them to Galilee. How did the disciples react to this prophecy? (1) It seems they did not hear Jesus’ words, especially the latter part about resurrection and going to Galilee was completely ignored. Even after Jesus had resurrected, the disciples did not follow this word. (2) Peter confidently declared that even if all the disciples stumbled, he would not. He was very zealous but had not yet realized his own weakness. (3) The rest of the disciples, influenced by Peter, unanimously insisted that they would follow Jesus to the point of death. Jesus knew all the weaknesses of his disciples. He told Peter, “Truly I say to you, this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny me three times.” Despite knowing about the betrayal, Jesus went ahead and loved him in advance. Jesus’ love is poured out on us today as well. Just as Jesus went ahead to Galilee for the disciples, He is also going ahead for you, waiting in the land of blessing. Today, Let’s rely on the compassionate Lord Jesus.