"New Testament" is a term that takes away from a correct understanding. Y‘shua is referring to what is also
called the "New Covenant" in English; but according to the Tenakh, is more correctly considered a "renewed
Covenant". This Covenant renewal is found in the book of Jeremiah and also referred to in other places in
the Tenakh. Unfortunately, the English word "new" in either case falsely implies that the "old" covenant (with
Torah as its foundation) is abolished. We know from Y‘shua's own words that this is not the case. See notes
to Matthew chapter 5, and forward. None of YHWH's covenants have been disposed of. (Also see
explanation at verse 28 above.)
It would seem in verse 29, that Y‘shua Himself does not drink of this cup. This is because the "New
Covenant" is not fully established by Him at this time. The Hebraic understanding is that of a "Renewed
Covenant" that YHWH will make when Judah (with Benjamin) and Ephraim (Lost 10 Tribes) are reunited one
day at the time of Messiah's coming – hence He will drink of the cup only, ―... in my Father's kingdom."
26:31 All ye shall be offended because of me this night―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.‖
Not long after this came a series of disagreements between the Jews and Rome, including major wars
around A.D. 70 and A.D. 132. The result of these actions was not only the further dispersion of Jews across
the empire, but also the suppression of the faith of the original Messianic (Nazarene) community. This led to
the development of a "faith" that was decidedly "anti-Torah" and incorporated many pagan elements that
eventually organised itself into the Catholic/Christian religion and its "spinoff" Protestant children.
I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad
From the Hebrew Scriptures:―Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Against the Man who is My Companion," Says the LORD of hosts.
―Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered; Then I will turn My hand against the little ones." (Zech
13:7)
From the Rabbinic Writings:―If we search the prophets we shall find that He who is promised as the Shepherd of Israel is THE MESSIAH.
The Messiah therefore is the person to be smitten before the scattering of the sheep.‖ (Rabbi David Kimchi
on Zechariah)
From the New Covenant:Y‘shua said: ―I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father
knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15)
Y‘shua said: ―Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and
will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." (John 16:32)
Then Y‘shua 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‘"...Then all the disciples forsook Him and
fled. (Mat 26:31, 56)
26:32-35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee―(32) But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. (33) Peter answered and said unto him,
Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. (34) Jesus said unto him,
Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. (35) Peter said unto
him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples‖.
It is interesting to note the change in Peter before and after the giving of the Ruach haKodesh (Holy Spirit).
He goes from being impulsive and rebuked by Y‘shua (Matt 16:23), even denying the Messiah to save his
own skin (at the end of this chapter), to being a chief spokesperson for Y‘shua among his Jewish brethren
(as seen in the Book of Acts).