What does Matthew 26:32 mean?

Jesus has told His disciples a devastating thing. They have just shared the Passover meal together (Matthew 26:17–29). Now, walking in the open night air toward the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30), Jesus said they would all fall away because of Him (Matthew 26:31). The idea of "falling away" would suggest they will be faithless to Him. Their courage will fail, and they will run and hide to save themselves. This is not the active treason of Judas, who is acting to deliberately harm Jesus (Matthew 26:14–16).

Thankfully, Jesus doesn't leave His prediction there. He predicts their fearful response but also assures them that this falling away on their part is temporary. He says that after He is raised up, He will go ahead of them back to Galilee.

It would have been difficult for the disciples to comprehend what this might mean. Jesus, though, knows exactly what is about to happen. He will be "struck," and they will scatter (Matthew 26:56). He will be raised from the dead (Matthew 28:5–6). Then He will meet them again back up north, away from Jerusalem, in their home region of Galilee (Matthew 28:10).