A frequent misinterpretation portrays this as evidence of the disciples' permanent spiritual downfall or loss of salvation, overlooking Jesus' intercession for Peter and their post-resurrection recommissioning. Others detach it from Zechariah's prophecy, treating it as mere pessimism rather than precise fulfillment, or misconstrue 'offended' as trivial irritation instead of profound scandal leading to abandonment under pressure, ignoring the passage's role in highlighting trials that refine faith.
Matthew 26:31
King James Version (1769)
31 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.
Jesus prophetically announces to his disciples that they will all stumble and desert him that night, directly fulfilling Zechariah 13:7's imagery of the shepherd being struck and the sheep scattering. This demonstrates his divine foreknowledge amid the impending betrayal and crucifixion, underscoring human frailty and dependence on God even among the faithful, while foreshadowing their eventual restoration and the triumph of resurrection over apparent failure.