When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become deserters; for it is written,“I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.’ (Mark 14: 26-28)

The Greek - skandalizo - suggests something worst than desertion. This is behavior that causes others to fear, offend and fail. Not only will the disciples desert Jesus, but they will lead others in betrayal.

Especially when connected with the quotation from Zechariah this is a prediction that most will fall away. The prophet says that those few left are also sinners and will be put to a terrible test of purification. But Zechariah also promises redemption: "They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, `They are My people,' And they will say, `The Lord is my God.' " (Zechariah 13:9)

I fall away and cause others to fail. I betray and others follow me. Most of us - like the disciples - are unable to fulfill our earnest intentions of faithfulness and love. Again and again we learn that we do not earn God's love and blessing. But it is ours to accept in humility and thankfulness.

The final hymn sung at the Passover meal, referenced by Mark, was almost certainly Psalm 118. Following are the closing lines.

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
You are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Above is the Prophet Zechariah from the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo.