John 13:36-38 36Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you are not able to follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times.
For the third time in this chapter, Peter speaks up. He, along with other disciples, asked questions during the meal that provided the opportunity for Jesus to give more insights about his key teaching that would guide and sustain the disciples in the coming days, months, and years. John uses Peter’s full Gospel name in introducing him in verse 36, setting off these verses as their own pericope and isolating and highlighting Peter. Peter is named more in John’s Gospel than any other disciple, which raises many questions about his relationship to the author of this book. Peter comes across as a perceptive and thinking person who tried to connect the dots of what he heard and observed. He was not afraid to vocalize his thoughts, even if they were not always carefully thought through. Some people are like Peter as vocalizers.
As this point, Peter’s question seems innocent and simple but indicates that he had heard something Jesus said that did not seem right to him. He seems to have missed the call to love in verses 34-35 and focused more on Jesus’ departure in verse 33. Jesus would later help Peter process the need to love others in 21:15-19. Peter wanted to be with Jesus more than follow Jesus in the way of love. It was safe and interesting to be with Jesus, but if he was not there, what would Peter and the others do? The greatest thing Jesus wanted them to do was love one another.
Jesus’ response was likely surprising to Peter in two ways. The first is given in verse 36 with the idea that Peter would not be able to follow Jesus at that time. Jesus’ response is veiled and likely only confused Peter at that point, but later, he would come to understand what Jesus meant. The following implied in this verse likely refers the journey to the cross. Jesus would give up his life and die within the next 24 hours. Peter would not face that challenge yet, but one day, he would. According to tradition, Peter was crucified upside down on a cross in Rome, condemned by the Emperor Nero. So, Jesus’ words here would be literally fulfilled. At a deeper spiritual level, Peter would follow the same path of humility as he learned to be like Jesus in love and humility. This path is not easy for anyone, but it is the call of the gospel.
The second and even greater surprise for Peter comes in verses 37-38. Ever-quick-to-respond Peter voices his commitment to follow Jesus even though he did not know what this meant or what would be required of him. He thought he was strong in his faith and commitment, but he was relying on his own strength. He was even willing to die for Jesus. His devotion was misplaced and out of focus, which is easy to do if we look to Jesus from a selfish vantage point.
Jesus’ response to Peter’s assertion must have shocked Peter greatly. He would face his own battle that night before the rooster would crow three times. Those who have raised chickens know that a rooster can crow any time at night, even as early as 1 or 2 am or closer to sunrise. Peter would deny Jesus within the next twelve hours. Jesus’ question in verse 38 challenged Peter’s motives and intentions. Peter was big with his words, but his actions would really reveal his motives. It was easy to talk but was he truly willing to die for Jesus? Was he willing to take up his cross and follow Jesus to his cross? What he needed to do was indeed to lay down his life for Jesus, but the way to do this would be to love his fellow disciples unconditionally like Jesus did. The test would come soon, and Peter would learn the hard way that he could not do this on his own.
Although Peter’s experience was unique in history, the path of discipleship he took is one all must follow. We do not need to come to the point of denying Jesus, although we may do some in word or deed. We must follow Peter to the point of humble realization that we need divine help to love and serve. God provides grace and his presence as our resources, but we must come to the point of submission.
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